This easy Mexican chicken and rice soup is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. A blend of tender chicken, aromatic onion, and vibrant tomatoes give this soup its rich taste, while the addition of corn and rice makes it hearty and satisfying.
Photos of Easy Mexican Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
If you don’t typically stock oregano or fresh cilantro at home, be sure to pick them up at the supermarket. Limes add a zesty finish that you don't want to miss, and using low sodium chicken broth ensures you can control the salt levels in your soup.
Ingredients For Easy Mexican Chicken And Rice Soup
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion and oregano, adding a rich base to the soup.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory flavor that builds the foundation of the soup.
Oregano: An herb that gives the soup its distinct Mexican flavor profile.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the soup.
Tomatoes: Bring a natural sweetness and acidity that complements the other ingredients.
Low sodium chicken broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the base of the soup, allowing control over the salt content.
Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture to the soup.
White rice: Provides heartiness and makes the soup more filling.
Chicken: Adds protein and makes the soup more substantial.
Fresh cilantro sprigs: Used as a garnish to add a fresh, herbal note.
Limes: Serve as a garnish to add a zesty, refreshing finish.
Corn tortillas: Serve warm on the side to complement the soup.
One reader, Irving Prescott says:
This easy Mexican chicken and rice soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are vibrant, and it's incredibly simple to make. Perfect for a cozy night in. The cilantro and lime add a refreshing touch. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Mexican Chicken Soup
How to dice an onion: Peel the onion, cut it in half, and make horizontal and vertical cuts to achieve small, even pieces. How to cook rice: Measure the rice and add it to the boiling liquid, then simmer until tender. How to shred chicken: Use two forks to pull the cooked chicken apart into thin strips. How to chop cilantro: Gather the cilantro into a bunch and use a knife to chop it into small pieces. How to serve with lime wedges: Cut the limes into wedges and serve them alongside the soup for squeezing over the top.
How To Make Easy Mexican Chicken and Rice Soup
Flavorful and comforting, this soup recipe is loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors. The broth is spicy with a rich tomato base. It’s finished off with lime.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1medium onion,diced
- 1tsporegano,dried
- ¼tspsalt,to taste
- ⅛tspblack pepper,to taste
- 15oztomatoes,fire roasted, diced, with juices
- 6cupslow sodium chicken broth
- 1cupcorn kernels,(fresh or frozen)
- ⅓cupwhite rice,not cooked, (medium or long grain)
- 2cupschicken,cooked and shredded
- ½bunchfresh cilantro sprigs,for garnish
- 2limes,quartered, for garnish
- corn,or flour tortillas, to serve
Instructions
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In a large pot over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the onion and oregano.
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Cook, stirring often for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften. Stir in the salt and pepper.
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Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, and rice. Bring to a boil over high heat. Turn down the heat and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
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Add the chicken and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the chicken is hot. Taste, and season with more salt and pepper, if desired.
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Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with the cilantro and lime wedges on top, and warm tortillas on the side.
Nutrition
- Calories: 276.45kcal
- Fat: 13.60g
- Saturated Fat: 3.15g
- Trans Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.98g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.49g
- Carbohydrates: 24.65g
- Fiber: 2.58g
- Sugar: 4.16g
- Protein: 16.12g
- Cholesterol: 35.00mg
- Sodium: 209.01mg
- Calcium: 40.83mg
- Potassium: 606.63mg
- Iron: 1.62mg
- Vitamin A: 63.56µg
- Vitamin C: 19.22mg
Helpful Technique for Making Mexican Chicken and Rice Soup
When adding rice to the soup, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky or clumping together in the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Mexican Chicken and Rice Soup
Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Frozen corn: Opt for frozen corn instead of fresh to cut down on prep time.
Canned tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes with herbs to add extra flavor without extra effort.
Instant rice: Substitute instant rice for regular rice to reduce cooking time.
Pre-chopped onions: Buy pre-chopped onions to skip the chopping step.
Cilantro paste: Use cilantro paste instead of fresh cilantro for a quick garnish.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Mexican Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.
oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme offers a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, but use less to avoid overpowering the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile.
tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can provide a similar tomato flavor and consistency.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a similar savory base.
corn kernels - Substitute with peas: Peas offer a sweet flavor and similar texture.
white rice - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice provides a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
chicken - Substitute with turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile.
fresh cilantro sprigs - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
limes - Substitute with lemons: Lemons provide a similar acidic and citrusy flavor.
corn - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini offers a mild flavor and similar texture when cooked.
Best Way to Present Mexican Chicken and Rice Soup
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the Mexican chicken and rice soup in elegant, shallow bowls to highlight the vibrant colors and textures. Use a ladle to ensure each serving has a balanced mix of chicken, rice, and vegetables.
Use decoration: Garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh cilantro placed delicately on top. Add a thin slice of lime on the rim of the bowl for a touch of color and a hint of citrus aroma.
Highlight ingredients: Arrange a few corn kernels and a couple of diced tomatoes artfully around the bowl to emphasize the freshness of the ingredients. This adds visual appeal and showcases the key components of the dish.
Add texture contrast: Serve with warm, lightly charred tortillas on the side. Stack them neatly in a small, elegant basket or on a separate plate, wrapped in a linen napkin to keep them warm.
Enhance aroma: Just before serving, squeeze a few drops of fresh lime juice over the soup to release a burst of citrus fragrance. This will enhance the overall sensory experience for the diners.
Use high-quality tableware: Present the soup in fine, white porcelain bowls to create a clean and sophisticated look. Use matching high-quality silverware and linen napkins to elevate the dining experience.
Create a balanced presentation: Ensure that each bowl has a harmonious balance of broth, chicken, rice, and vegetables. This not only looks appealing but also ensures that each bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Essential Tools for Making Mexican Chicken Soup
Large pot: Used to cook the soup and combine all the ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the onion and cilantro.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion and cilantro.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper accurately.
Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the chicken broth, corn kernels, and rice.
Can opener: Needed to open the can of tomatoes.
Ladle: Used to serve the soup into bowls.
Bowls: For serving the soup.
Citrus juicer: Useful for squeezing the juice from the limes.
Tongs: Handy for handling the warm tortillas.
Storing and Freezing Mexican Chicken Soup
To store leftover easy mexican chicken and rice soup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating the refrigerated soup, you may need to add a little extra chicken broth or water to thin it out, as the rice will continue to absorb liquid over time.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Consider freezing the soup in individual portions for easier thawing and reheating. This way, you can thaw only what you need for a single serving.
To thaw frozen soup, place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, reheat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
When reheating frozen soup that contains rice, you may notice that the texture of the rice changes slightly. To minimize this, you can freeze the soup without the rice and add freshly cooked rice when reheating the soup.
Always label your containers or bags with the date and contents before freezing, so you can easily keep track of your frozen soup inventory.
How To Reheat Leftover Chicken and Rice Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover mexican chicken and rice soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the rice and chicken are evenly heated without overcooking.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker, cover it, and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until the soup is heated through. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the soup without much supervision.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup well to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot or dish. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Interesting Fact About Mexican Chicken and Rice Soup
A random fact about this recipe is that it combines the comforting elements of chicken soup with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. The addition of cilantro and lime wedges not only enhances the taste but also adds a refreshing twist to the soup.
Is Making Mexican Chicken Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This Mexican chicken and rice soup is highly cost-effective. Utilizing pantry staples like white rice, chicken broth, and canned tomatoes, it keeps expenses low. Fresh ingredients like onion, cilantro, and limes add vibrant flavors without breaking the bank. The use of chicken and corn ensures a hearty meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $12-$15 USD.
Is This Mexican Soup Healthy or Not?
This Mexican chicken and rice soup recipe is a healthy and nutritious option. It incorporates a variety of wholesome ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, and whole grains. The use of low-sodium chicken broth helps to reduce the overall salt content, while the addition of fresh cilantro and lime adds a burst of flavor and nutrients. The recipe also includes healthy fats from olive oil, which can help to promote heart health.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this soup, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to boost the fiber and vitamin content
- Opt for brown rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the soup
- Use skinless chicken breast to reduce the overall fat content
- Add a can of low-sodium black beans or kidney beans to increase the protein and fiber content
- Garnish with sliced avocado for an additional source of healthy fats and a creamy texture
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal and add even more nutrients
Editor's Opinion on This Mexican Soup Recipe
This easy Mexican chicken and rice soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic oregano, and fresh cilantro creates a vibrant and comforting dish. The addition of lime wedges adds a refreshing citrus note that enhances the overall taste. Using low sodium chicken broth ensures a healthier option without compromising on flavor. The recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Serving it with warm tortillas adds an authentic touch. Overall, it's a well-balanced and satisfying soup that is sure to please.
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Why trust this Easy Mexican Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe:
This recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. The use of fresh ingredients like onion, cilantro, and limes ensures a vibrant and authentic taste. The low sodium chicken broth and white rice create a hearty base, while the corn kernels add a touch of sweetness. With easy-to-follow instructions and minimal prep time, this Mexican chicken and rice soup is a reliable choice for a comforting and delicious meal.
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