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- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk - 4 cups low sodium chicken stock - 2 cups baby spinach - Juice and zest of 2 limes - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari) - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Fresh cilantro for garnish - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup sliced mushrooms To make creamy coconut lime chicken soup, gather your main ingredients first. I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy. Coconut milk gives this soup its creamy texture and rich flavor. Low sodium chicken stock keeps the taste balanced, while baby spinach adds a fresh green touch. Next, consider your seasonings and extras. The juice and zest of limes bring a bright, tangy flavor. Soy sauce enhances the umami taste, and ground cumin adds warmth. Fresh cilantro makes a lovely garnish that brightens each bowl. Feel free to add optional ingredients for more taste. Chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger build a base of rich flavor. Diced red bell pepper and sliced mushrooms add color and texture. Choose any combination that fits your taste. Enjoy the process of creating your soup! First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken thighs. Season them with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it turns brown, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook these ingredients until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the diced red bell pepper and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 3-5 minutes. Now, pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a simmer. Once it simmers, return the browned chicken to the pot. Stir in the coconut milk, and let it all blend together. Next, stir in the lime juice, ground cumin, and baby spinach. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. To get that perfect creaminess in your soup, use full-fat coconut milk. This type of coconut milk gives a rich and smooth base. When you add the coconut milk, stir gently. This helps it blend well without curdling. To avoid overcooked chicken, cook it just until it's brown. After that, remove it from the pot. You will add it back later. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Balancing sweetness and acidity is key. The lime juice adds brightness, while the coconut milk gives richness. If you find the soup too sweet, add more lime juice. If it tastes too sour, a pinch of sugar can help. Using fresh herbs makes a big difference. Adding cilantro at the end brightens the flavor. You can also add fresh basil or mint for a unique twist. Pair your soup with rice or crusty bread. The rice soaks up the flavors and adds heartiness. Bread is perfect for dipping and enjoying every bite. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. A lime wedge on the side adds a pop of color and freshness. These small touches make your soup look and taste gourmet! {{image_2}} You can easily make this soup fit different diets. For a gluten-free option, swap soy sauce with tamari. Tamari has the same salty taste but is safe for those avoiding gluten. If you want a vegan version, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. This keeps the soup rich and creamy. You do not have to stick with chicken. You can use shrimp or tofu instead. If you choose shrimp, cook them until pink, which takes about 3-5 minutes. For tofu, press it to remove water, then cube it. Cook tofu until golden, about 7-10 minutes. Adjust the cooking time to match your protein choice. Adding more veggies makes this soup even better. You can toss in zucchini or kale. Zucchini cooks quickly, so add it with the bell pepper. Kale takes longer, so add it with the spinach. This way, you keep all the flavors fresh and bright. Use whatever seasonal veggies you find. They add color and nutrients while keeping meals interesting. To keep your creamy coconut lime chicken soup fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. The soup can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. This soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating, you want to keep that creamy texture. The best ways are on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the stovetop, heat over low to medium heat. Stir often and heat for about 10 minutes. In the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. This method takes about 3 to 5 minutes. In the fridge, the soup lasts about 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. Check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or change in color. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses to keep your meals safe. Yes, you can use canned chicken for this soup. It saves time and effort. Just drain and rinse the chicken. Add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, it warms up without becoming mushy. If you dislike coconut milk, try using almond milk or soy milk. These will change the flavor but still keep the soup creamy. You can also use cashew cream for a richer taste. Just keep the same amount as the coconut milk in the recipe. This soup has mild heat. You can adjust the spiciness by adding chili flakes. If you want it milder, skip the chili flakes or add less cumin. Taste the soup as it cooks to find your perfect heat level. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. Reheat it on the stove or microwave when ready to eat. This recipe combines simple ingredients and exciting flavors to create a satisfying soup. We covered essential components like chicken, coconut milk, and spinach, and highlighted seasonings such as lime and cumin. You can easily customize it with different proteins or veggies. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat safely. Cooking should be fun, and this soup is a great way to enjoy your time in the kitchen. Enjoy every bowl you serve!

Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken Soup

Indulge in a bowl of creamy coconut lime chicken soup that will transport your taste buds to paradise! This easy recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered with fresh veggies, fragrant ginger, and rich coconut milk, all brightened with zesty lime. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is both delicious and nourishing. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your meal game with this tropical delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

4 cups chicken stock (low sodium)

1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or shiitake)

2 cups baby spinach

Juice and zest of 2 limes

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes, then remove from the pot and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

      Add the diced red bell pepper and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

        Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, return the browned chicken to the pot.

          Stir in the coconut milk, ground cumin, soy sauce, and lime juice. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to let all flavors meld together.

            Add the baby spinach and lime zest, cooking until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

              Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge on the side.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4