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Spicy Chicken Soup

This hearty spicy chicken soup combines tender chicken, fiery chili flakes, and fragrant garlic in a simmering broth, resulting in a bold, warming dish with a slightly cloudy, flavorful appearance. It features a vibrant, steaming bowl filled with chunks of chicken and herbs, delivering a satisfying balance of heat and freshness. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s a straightforward recipe that highlights bold flavors and comforting textures.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Homestyle
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts, diced
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 lime or lemon juice brightens the soup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • fresh handful cilantro or parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add olive oil, letting it warm until shimmering.
  2. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll notice a sweet aroma and the onions will turn slightly golden.
  3. Stir in diced chicken, cooking until it just starts to turn white around the edges, about 5 minutes. The chicken will begin to release some juices and smell savory.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in chili flakes. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, watching the bubbles form and rise, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken will become tender, and the broth will develop a rich, slightly cloudy appearance with fragrant steam rising.
  6. Taste the soup and squeeze in lime or lemon juice to brighten the flavors; add more chili flakes if you want extra heat.
  7. Once ready, ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnishing generously with chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh, green burst.
  8. Serve hot, enjoying the bold, spicy flavors and tender chicken in every spoonful.