Spicy Caribbean Chicken Soup

Spicy Caribbean Chicken Soup is a vibrant, hearty dish that bursts with tropical flavors and a touch of heat. This soup combines tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and vegetables with Caribbean spices and fiery scotch bonnet peppers for a rich, warming broth. Coconut milk adds a creamy, mellow balance to the heat, while lime juice gives it a refreshing tang. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something bold and comforting, this soup offers a taste of the Caribbean in every spoonful, delivering a mix of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole (remove seeds for less heat)
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the chicken and vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
2. Add the vegetables and spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and carrots. Add the thyme, allspice, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the vegetables with the spices.
3. Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, and return the chicken to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. Add lime juice and garnish: Stir in the lime juice for a bright finish. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper (if using whole). Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

This Spicy Caribbean Chicken Soup is a flavorful and hearty meal that brings a taste of the tropics to your table with its perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess!