Name: Mexican Chicken Rice Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chopped chicken (Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.); 1 oz taco seasoning (A blend of spices to flavor the soup.); 1 15-oz can black beans (Drained and rinsed for better texture.); 1 15-oz can corn kernels (Adds sweetness and texture.); 1 4-oz can diced green chiles (Brings a mild heat to the soup.); 1 10-oz can Mexican Rotel Tomatoes (Adds a spicy tomato base.); 2 cups tomato juice (Enhances flavor and moisture.); 6 cups chicken broth (Serves as the soup base.); 1 8.8-oz bag Spanish rice (Quick-cooking rice for convenience.); to taste salt (Essential for enhancing flavors.); to taste pepper (Essential for enhancing flavors.)

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When I think of comfort food, one dish that always comes to mind is Mexican Chicken Rice Soup. This delightful soup brings back fond memories of chilly winter evenings spent with my family, huddled around the table, enjoying a warm bowl of goodness. There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, zesty spices, and hearty rice that makes this soup a favorite in our home. As the aroma fills the air, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of warmth and happiness. Whenever I make this soup, I’m reminded of the love and joy that comes from sharing a meal with those we care about. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition that brings us together.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Dutch Oven, Chef Knives, Cutting Board

What We Adore About This Mexican Chicken Rice Soup

A Taste of Tradition

One of the reasons I absolutely adore Mexican Chicken Rice Soup is its robust flavor profile. The combination of spices, particularly the taco seasoning, adds a delightful kick that excites the taste buds. Each spoonful is packed with flavor that dances on your palate, making it hard to resist going back for seconds.

Hearty and Filling

This soup is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly satisfying. The addition of black beans and corn provides a nice contrast in texture and adds to the heartiness of the dish. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, ensuring that you won’t walk away hungry!

Easy to Make

Another reason to love this soup is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find that this recipe is approachable and forgiving.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Mexican Chicken Rice Soup is ideal for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for those days when you need something quick and comforting. Just reheat, and you’ve got a delicious meal ready to go!

Versatile Ingredients

The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it to include your favorite ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, or even jalapeños for an extra kick. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge, making it a practical choice for any home cook.

Family Favorite

Most importantly, this soup has become a family favorite. There’s something special about gathering around the table to share a meal that you all love. Every time I make Mexican Chicken Rice Soup, my family eagerly anticipates it, and that’s what makes cooking worthwhile.

What to Gather for Mexican Chicken Rice Soup

To create a hearty and satisfying Mexican Chicken Rice Soup, we’ll be using a variety of wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together. Each component adds its unique flavor and texture, contributing to a complete and comforting dish. Let’s take a look at the key players in this delightful recipe.

4 cups cooked chicken: This recipe calls for tender, chopped chicken that serves as the protein base for the soup. Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience!
1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning: This seasoning blend adds a zesty flavor that elevates the soup to a new level.
1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: These provide a hearty texture and are a great source of fiber and protein.
1 (15-oz) can corn kernels, drained: Sweet corn adds a nice contrast to the spices and complements the other ingredients.
1 (4-oz) diced green chiles, undrained: These bring a mild heat and depth of flavor to the soup.
1 (10-oz) can Mexican Rotel Tomatoes, undrained: This adds a delicious tomato base infused with spices.
2 cups tomato juice: This enhances the overall flavor and adds moisture to the soup.
6 cups chicken broth: A rich broth serves as the foundation for the soup, providing depth and savoriness.
1 (8.8-oz) bag Spanish rice (Ben’s Ready Rice): This quick-cooking rice helps to create a hearty texture in the soup.
Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is essential to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.

Preparation Steps for Mexican Chicken Rice Soup

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the preparation steps for this hearty Mexican Chicken Rice Soup. Follow these instructions, and you’ll be enjoying a comforting bowl of soup in no time!

In a large Dutch Oven or pot, combine the cooked chicken, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced green chiles, Mexican Rotel, chicken broth, and tomato juice. Make sure everything is well mixed together, as this will be the base of your soup.
Next, season your mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a boil, watching carefully to prevent it from bubbling over.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth.
After 20 minutes of simmering, it’s time to add the Spanish rice to the pot. Stir it in gently, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Continue cooking the soup for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and has absorbed some of the soup’s flavors.
Once the soup is finished cooking, remove it from the heat. If desired, garnish your delicious creation with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the delightful flavors of Mexican Chicken Rice Soup with your loved ones!
Consider making a double batch so you’ll have leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!

Things Worth Knowing

Cook the chicken properly: Make sure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Adjust for spice level: If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicier taco seasoning.
Check seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving, and adjust the salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
Store wisely: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Tips and Tricks about Mexican Chicken Rice Soup

When making Mexican Chicken Rice Soup, there are several tips that can enhance your experience and the final dish. Here are some helpful pointers:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Freezing: If you want to make this soup ahead of time, cool it to room temperature and store in freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to four months; just remember to leave out the rice until you reheat it.
Pairing: Serve the soup with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a fresh salad.
Garnishes: Enhance your soup with garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor.
Ingredient variations: Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences. Add vegetables like carrots or spinach for added nutrition.
Cooking method: This soup can also be made in a slow cooker. Just combine all ingredients (except the rice) and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, adding the rice in the last 30 minutes.

What Complements This Mexican Chicken Rice Soup

When serving Mexican Chicken Rice Soup, you might want to consider some delightful pairings that enhance the overall experience. Here are a few ideas:

Fresh Cornbread: A piece of warm, buttery cornbread is a perfect companion for this soup, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips makes for a great appetizer before digging into your soup.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a zesty vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are not only great for dipping but also add a fun texture when served alongside the soup.
Perfect for Winter Days: This soup is ideal for cozy winter dinners, making it a comforting choice for family gatherings or weeknight meals.
Festive Occasions: Consider serving this soup during celebrations or family gatherings; it’s sure to be a hit with guests.
Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch, and freeze portions for those busy weeknights when you want something homemade without the fuss.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can make Mexican Chicken Rice Soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients except for the rice to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the rice so it can cook through without becoming mushy. This method is great for meal prep or when you want to set it and forget it!

I recommend using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can use any cooked chicken cut into bite-sized pieces. Options like chicken breasts, thighs, or even canned chicken work well. The key is to ensure the chicken is already cooked before adding it to the soup.

If you prefer a spicier kick, you can easily adjust the spice level of your Mexican Chicken Rice Soup. Consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicier taco seasoning mix. Additionally, serving the soup with hot sauce or fresh diced chilies can provide an extra layer of heat if desired.

Yes! Mexican Chicken Rice Soup is freezer-friendly. To freeze, cool the soup to room temperature and store it in freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to four months. However, it’s best to add the rice when you reheat the soup to prevent it from getting mushy. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This Mexican Chicken Rice Soup is truly a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With its hearty ingredients and robust flavors, it’s a meal that your family will love. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it might just become a new favorite in your household!