Mean Chef's Yucatan Style Chicken Lime and Orzo Soup

Warm, vibrant, and packed with bold flavors, Mean Chef's Yucatan Style Chicken Lime and Orzo Soup is the ultimate comfort dish with a zesty twist. This hearty soup combines tender shredded chicken, tangy lime juice, and aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder for a flavorful fusion that's inspired by the Yucatan region. A medley of fresh vegetables, orzo pasta, and a burst of cilantro create a satisfying, well-rounded meal that’s ready in just 60 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Serve it with lime wedges for a bright citrus finish that elevates every spoonful.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium Carrot, diced
• 2 stalks Celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 8 cups Chicken stock or broth
• 1 14-ounce can Canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 0.25 cup Fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 pieces Lime wedges (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken stock and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 7

Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 8

Add the orzo pasta to the soup and stir. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.

Step 9

Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve the soup hot, garnished with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3349.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1993.1

Total Fat 61.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 293.9mg	0%
Sodium 10213.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 210.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.1g	0%
Total Sugars 32.2g
Protein 152.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 443.4mg	0%
Iron 17.5mg	0%
Potassium 2076.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.6%

Protein: 30.4%

Carbs: 42.0%