This vibrant Chicken Avocado Soup with lime is a flavorful, low-carb delight that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber from avocado and tomatoes, and healthy fats, it supports a balanced diet without compromising taste.
Quick to prepare and perfect for busy weekdays, it’s an ideal soup for effortless, wholesome meals.
Chicken Avocado Lime Soup
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan (4-quart)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
- Soup bowls
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth gluten-free
- 2 large tomatoes peeled, seeded, and diced (or 1 14-oz can, drained)
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tbsp jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast shredded
- 3 green onions finely chopped
- 1 medium avocado diced or thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice plus thin slices for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Peel, seed, and dice the tomatoes if using fresh ones. Mince the garlic finely to release its full aroma. Seed and chop the jalapeño carefully to avoid excess heat. Chop the green onions and cilantro, and dice or thinly slice the avocado. Measure out the lime juice and have your cooked, shredded chicken ready. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
- Heat the Chicken Broth: Pour 4 cups of gluten-free chicken broth into a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Allow the broth to warm until it just begins to simmer. Simmering gently, rather than boiling, helps preserve the delicate flavors and nutrients while preventing the soup from tasting overly salty or concentrated.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and finely chopped jalapeño to the simmering broth. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of ground cumin. Stir everything together to combine evenly. Let this mixture cook on a gentle simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the tomatoes will soften and release their juices, the garlic will mellow and infuse the broth, and the jalapeño will give a subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Season the Soup: After the aromatics have simmered, taste the broth and add salt as needed. Remember, seasoning gradually ensures you don’t over-salt the soup. Adjust according to your preference, keeping in mind that the chicken and avocado will also contribute to the overall flavor.
- Add the Chicken and Green Onions: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the shredded cooked chicken breast. Then add the finely chopped green onions. Allow the mixture to warm for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally so the chicken heats evenly. This step ensures the protein is tender, and the green onions release a mild, sweet flavor that complements the soup.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Lime Juice: Right before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice. These fresh ingredients add brightness and a hint of zesty acidity that lifts the overall flavor, balancing the richness of the avocado and chicken.
- Prepare the Avocado in Bowls: While the soup finishes cooking, divide the diced or sliced avocado among four soup bowls. The avocado adds creamy texture and healthy fats, making each bite satisfying and smooth.
- Serve the Soup: Carefully ladle the hot soup over the avocado in each bowl. Ensure that each serving contains a balanced mix of chicken, broth, tomatoes, and aromatics. Garnish with a thin slice of lime on the side of each bowl for an optional burst of citrus that diners can squeeze according to taste.
- Enjoy Immediately: This soup is best enjoyed fresh while warm, allowing the creamy avocado to blend slightly with the savory broth. Each spoonful provides a comforting, protein-packed, low-carb meal that’s light yet filling. Pair with a crisp side salad for a complete, healthy lunch or dinner.
Notes
- Net Carbs & Nutritional Info: Each serving contains approximately 4g net carbs, making it an excellent option for low-carb and keto diets. The soup is rich in protein (16g per serving) and healthy fats from avocado.
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience. Cherry tomatoes or canned fire-roasted tomatoes can replace fresh tomatoes for a slightly smoky flavor.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the jalapeño to taste—remove seeds for mild heat or keep a few for a spicier kick.
- Avocado Tips: Choose ripe but firm avocados to prevent them from turning mushy when served in the hot soup. Slice or dice just before serving for the best texture.
- Lime Enhancement: Adding extra lime juice or zest just before serving brightens flavors and balances the richness of the soup.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Soup
The key to a flavorful, well-balanced chicken avocado soup lies in layering flavors.
Start with a gentle simmer of chicken broth and aromatics, letting garlic, jalapeño, and cumin infuse the liquid.
Don’t rush this step—allowing the ingredients to mingle for at least 15 minutes deepens the taste.
Adding the avocado at the end ensures creamy texture without overcooking.
Fresh cilantro and lime juice right before serving add brightness and complexity, giving the soup a fresh, restaurant-quality taste.
Using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie meat can save time without compromising flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
This soup is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
For a light meal, serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
For a more substantial option, accompany with low-carb crackers or a slice of crusty keto-friendly bread.
Garnishing with extra cilantro or a few thin lime slices enhances visual appeal and adds subtle freshness.
For presentation, serve in wide bowls so the avocado sits on top, providing both texture and color contrast.
Storage Tips to Preserve Freshness
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To prevent the avocado from browning, store it separately and add it just before reheating.
When reheating, do so gently over low heat to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
This soup can also be frozen, but it’s best to freeze without the avocado; add fresh avocado after thawing for optimal flavor and texture.
Lime juice can be added after reheating to refresh the soup’s brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! The soup base can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Store the chicken and broth mixture in the refrigerator. Add avocado, cilantro, and lime juice just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.
2. Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Absolutely! Cooked turkey or shredded rotisserie pork works well as a substitute. Just ensure the meat is pre-cooked, as the soup only requires gentle warming.
3. How can I make this soup spicier?
Keep the jalapeño seeds or add a pinch of crushed red pepper. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the soup when serving. Start small and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the flavors.
4. Is it okay to use canned tomatoes?
Yes. Canned tomatoes are convenient and maintain the soup’s flavor well. Opt for diced or fire-roasted tomatoes, and drain excess liquid if you prefer a thicker broth.
5. Can this recipe be made dairy-free or vegan?
The original recipe is naturally dairy-free. To make a vegan version, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add avocado and lime at the end for richness and freshness.
