Heartwarming Mexican Chicken Rice Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort arrives with this hearty Mexican chicken rice soup that blends warm spices and rich, soul-soothing ingredients.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among plump rice grains, creating a vibrant melody of flavors.

Each spoonful carries the essence of traditional Mexican culinary warmth.

Fragrant herbs and gentle spices dance through the broth, inviting you to savor every comforting bite.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients that speak volumes about homestyle cooking.

Robust and nourishing, this soup stands ready to chase away chills and lift spirits with its authentic charm.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that connects you directly to the heart of Mexican home cooking.

Tools for Mexican Chicken Rice Soup Success

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup, with enough space to hold all ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, jalapeño, and cilantro.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices like cumin and chili powder.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
• Two forks: Used for shredding chicken if cooking raw chicken breasts.
• Ladle: Helpful for serving the hot soup into bowls.

How to Cook Mexican Chicken Rice Soup with Ease

• Sizzle the Aromatics Heat olive oil in a large pot and toss in onions and jalapenos, letting them dance and soften until they become fragrant and translucent.
• Spice It Up Sprinkle in garlic and a vibrant mix of spices, stirring quickly to awaken their deep, rich flavors.
• Build the Liquid Base Pour in chicken broth and fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a robust foundation for your soup.
• Cook the Chicken Gently simmer raw chicken breasts in the liquid until they're perfectly tender and easily shreddable.
• Add Hearty Fillings Toss in rice, black beans, and corn, letting them mingle and absorb the delicious spicy broth.
• Finish with Freshness Pull the chicken apart with two forks, then stir in a bright splash of lime juice and a handful of chopped cilantro.
• Serve and Enjoy Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes for a meal that'll warm you from the inside out.

Spice Tips & Ideas for Mexican Chicken Rice Soup

• Chicken Warming Hack: Let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and chicken to become extra tender.
• Protein Swap Options: Easily substitute chicken with turkey, shredded beef, or tofu for different protein variations that match your dietary needs.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by removing jalapeno seeds for mild flavor or adding extra chili powder for a more intense spicy kick.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat slowly to maintain texture and flavor richness.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version that still delivers bold Mexican-inspired taste.

Ways to Serve Mexican Chicken Rice Soup Hot

• Zesty Garnish Galore: Top the soup with crispy tortilla strips, fresh diced avocado, and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for a burst of texture and flavor.
• Creamy Cool Down: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the soup's spiciness and create a luxurious, smooth finish.
• Citrus Kick Finish: Serve with extra lime wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze fresh citrus directly into their bowls for a bright, tangy punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Herb Haven: Scatter additional fresh cilantro leaves and chopped green onions on top to add a vibrant, fresh dimension that complements the soup's rich Mexican-inspired profile.

How to Keep Mexican Chicken Rice Soup Fresh

• Fridge Storage Magic: Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Great for quick lunch or dinner reheats.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Will stay delicious for up to 2 months when stored properly.
• Quick Reheating Strategy: Warm soup gently on stovetop, adding splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Store toppings like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or shredded cheese separately to maintain crispness and prevent soggy textures when reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 6

Mexican Chicken Rice Soup Ingredient Lineup

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables and building flavor depth.
• Onion: Adds sweet, caramelized undertones and creates a robust aromatic base.
• Jalapeno: Introduces a spicy kick and authentic Mexican heat.
• Garlic: Delivers a pungent, warm essence that elevates the overall taste profile.

• Cumin: Imparts an earthy, warm complexity typical in Mexican cuisine.
• Chili Powder: Contributes a deep, smoky warmth with mild heat.
• Smoked Paprika: Offers a rich, slightly sweet smoky flavor.
• Oregano: Brings a subtle herbal note with traditional Mexican character.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a hearty, flavorful liquid base.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Add a smoky, slightly charred complexity.
• Chicken Breasts: Provides lean protein and substantial texture.
• Rice: Adds body and makes the soup more filling.
• Black Beans: Introduces creamy texture and additional protein.
• Corn: Brings sweet crunch and vibrant color.
• Lime Juice: Brightens and balances the soup with fresh acidity.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal finish with classic Mexican flair.

Cozy Mexican Chicken Rice Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican chicken rice soup delivers comfort and warmth with its rich, spicy broth and tender chicken. Fragrant cilantro, zesty lime, and perfectly cooked rice create a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

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Ingredients

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• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice)
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (or 2 raw chicken breasts)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, diced (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• Sliced avocado
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Crushed tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Prepping Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a flavor-rich base for the soup’s aromatic journey.
2. Aromatic Sauté: Introduce diced onions and minced jalapeños, transforming them into translucent gems of flavor while releasing their intricate essence.
3. Spice Awakening: Sprinkle garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the pot, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify for 30 seconds, creating a robust flavor profile.
4. Liquid Harmony: Pour in chicken broth and fire-roasted tomatoes, establishing a vibrant and complex liquid foundation for the soup.
5. Chicken Integration: Immerse raw chicken breasts directly into the simmering mixture, or add pre-cooked shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Cooking Rhythm: Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes with raw chicken or 10 minutes with pre-cooked chicken, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
7. Ingredient Symphony: Fold in rice, black beans, and corn, ensuring even distribution and creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
8. Final Refinement: For raw chicken, extract breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the pot. Continue simmering for 10-15 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness and absorbs the surrounding flavors.
9. Finishing Touches: Elevate the soup’s brightness with a splash of lime juice and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
10. Serving Celebration: Ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish with your favorite complementary toppings, transforming a simple meal into a culinary experience.

Notes

• Adjust Spice Levels: Control heat by removing jalapeño seeds or using mild chili powder for sensitive palates.
• Chicken Cooking Technique: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety, using a meat thermometer for precision.
• Rice Texture Management: Select long-grain white rice and rinse beforehand to prevent excess starchiness and maintain ideal soup consistency.
• Meal Prep and Storage: Soup keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days, with flavors intensifying overnight; add fresh cilantro and lime juice when reheating to restore brightness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg