Chicken Tortilla Soup With Rice Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish, Chicken Tortilla Soup with Rice should be at the top of your list. This soup combines the savory goodness of tender chicken with the spicy kick of seasonings, crunchy tortilla chips, and the smooth texture of rice, all simmered in a savory broth. It’s one of those dishes that’s so satisfying, it can warm you up on a cold day or lift your spirits after a long one. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile-you can make it as mild or spicy as you prefer, and it’s packed with ingredients that hit all the right notes: creamy, tangy, salty, and slightly smoky.

The best part? You can easily tweak it to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for something light or want a more filling meal, this recipe can adapt. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this delicious soup-from the ingredients to expert tips, and even some fun recipe variations to keep things fresh and exciting.

Chicken Tortilla Soup With Rice Recipe

Let’s dive straight into this easy-to-follow recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. This recipe serves about 4-6 people, making it perfect for a small gathering or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients Needed

To make this flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup with Rice, here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

  For sautéing the vegetables and giving the soup a rich base flavor.

• 1 Pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Or Thighs

  Chicken breast works well if you want a leaner option, while thighs give more flavor and tenderness.

• 1 Medium Onion, Diced

  Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.

• 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced

  Garlic is the backbone of the soup’s flavor profile, adding that savory kick.

• 1 Red Bell Pepper, Diced

  This adds color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness.

• 1-2 Jalapeños, Deseeded And Finely Chopped

  Depending on your spice tolerance, adjust the jalapeño quantity for the perfect heat level.

• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

  A warm spice that’s essential for the characteristic Mexican flavor.

• 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder

  A little heat and smokiness, balancing the cumin.

• 4 Cups Chicken Broth

  Provides a rich and savory base for the soup.

• 1 (14.5-ounce) Can Diced Tomatoes

  Adds acidity and a burst of flavor to the broth.

• 1 Cup Cooked Rice

  For a hearty texture and to make the soup more filling.

• Salt And Pepper To Taste

  For seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.

• Tortilla Chips

  Crumbled for crunch on top, and you can even stir some in for added texture.

• Lime Wedges, For Garnish

  The tangy citrus brightens up the entire dish.

• Fresh Cilantro (optional)

  Adds a fresh, herby element, perfect for garnish.

Cooking Instructions

Making this Chicken Tortilla Soup with Rice is a straightforward process, but the result is absolutely delicious. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cook The Chicken

   Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it for about 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.

2. Sauté Vegetables

   In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add in the chopped jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder, stirring to combine. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom.

3. Add Broth And Tomatoes

   Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze any tasty bits left from cooking the chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Shred The Chicken

   While the soup simmers, use two forks to shred the chicken. Once it’s shredded, add it back into the soup.

5. Simmer

   Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors. If you want a more flavorful broth, you can let it cook for longer.

6. Add Rice

   Stir in the cooked rice, and let it heat through for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

7. Serve

   Ladle the soup into bowls, top with crushed tortilla chips, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and cilantro if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken: Whether you go with breast or thighs, both options provide protein and flavor. Chicken thighs, however, are more forgiving in the cooking process and tend to stay tender and juicy longer. If you’re using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can skip the cooking and shredding part.
• Jalapeños: The amount of heat you get from jalapeños varies, so always taste before adding them. If you’re sensitive to spice, deseed them completely, or use just one. For more heat, keep the seeds in or use a hotter pepper like serrano.
• Rice: For a quicker meal, you can use leftover rice. Alternatively, you can make a fresh batch while the soup simmers, or even use instant rice if you’re short on time.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the tortilla chips: They’re not just for garnish. Stir them into the soup before serving for extra texture and flavor. They’ll soften a bit but still maintain a nice crunch in the mix.
• Use bone-in chicken: If you have the time, using bone-in chicken can elevate the soup’s flavor. It also gives you the opportunity to create a homemade chicken stock from the bones, which adds a deeper, richer base to your soup.
• Customize the heat: Want it extra spicy? Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, use a small bell pepper instead of jalapeños.
• Make it creamy: If you love a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. This will give it a silky texture that complements the spices wonderfully.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: For a plant-based alternative, swap the chicken with hearty beans like black beans or pinto beans. You can also add more vegetables, like corn, zucchini, or sweet potatoes, to create a satisfying dish.
• Taco Soup: If you’re craving more taco flavors, add in some taco seasoning and top the soup with shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced avocado.
• Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Add extra heat by blending in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce.
• Add More Veggies: Throw in some extra vegetables like corn, diced potatoes, or carrots for added texture and nutrition.

Final Words

Chicken Tortilla Soup with Rice is one of those comforting meals that doesn’t require a ton of effort but delivers big flavor. Whether you want something simple for a cozy night in or a dish that will impress your guests, this recipe is versatile and easy to modify. The combination of the tender chicken, savory broth, rice, and tortilla chips creates a satisfying bowl of soup that hits all the right notes.