Description
Cozy, bold, and full of flavor, this Mexican Chicken Rice Soup is a one-pot wonder that brings together shredded chicken, fluffy rice, fire-roasted tomatoes, and warm spices in a savory broth. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, healthy lunch, or satisfying comfort food, this easy recipe has you covered. It’s perfect for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable with toppings like avocado, tortilla strips, or sour cream. Great for busy weeknights, this soup is loaded with protein and comes together in under 40 minutes—ideal for anyone searching for quick dinners, healthy food ideas, or flavorful soup recipes with a Mexican twist.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
6 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
3/4 cup uncooked long grain white rice
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional toppings: diced avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent.
2. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir well and scrape up any bits on the bottom.
4. Add shredded chicken and uncooked rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 18–22 minutes.
5. Once rice is tender, season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Stir in fresh cilantro.
6. Remove from heat and let rest a few minutes.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like avocado, tortilla chips, or jalapeños.
Notes
You can swap the white rice for brown rice, but allow more simmer time and extra broth.
Leftover rotisserie chicken works great and saves prep time.
Don’t skip the lime and cilantro—they bring balance and brightness to the soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
Keywords: chicken soup, Mexican rice soup, quick dinner, healthy soup, easy recipe