Chipotle peppers have a long history in Mexican cuisine. Chipotle, which comes from the Nahuatl word "chilpoctli," meaning smoked chili, refers to a smoke-dried jalapeño pepper. The Aztecs are believed to have smoked jalapeños as a method of preserving them. Over time, chipotle peppers became an integral part of Mexican cuisine, adding depth and smokiness to various dishes.
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The exact origins of Chipotle Chicken Soup are unclear, but it likely emerged as a variation of traditional Mexican chicken soups, with the addition of chipotle peppers for flavor and heat. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, with different regions and households adding their own unique twists to create a dish that is both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Avocado slices, for serving
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Preparation Time
Approximately 30 minutes
Procedure
1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Return the chicken breasts to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped chipotle peppers, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve: Ladle the Chipotle Chicken Soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges, avocado slices, and tortilla chips on the side.
