Name: Chicken Tomato Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 pound chicken thighs, thinly sliced into 2-inch pieces; 1/2 large onion, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced then halved; 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced then halved; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced then halved; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder; 1 tsp EACH salt, chili powder, ground cumin; 1/2 tsp EACH smoked paprika, pepper, dried oregano; 3/4 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (such as basmati); 1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 4 oz. can mild diced green chilies; 1 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes; 4 14.5 oz. cans low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 cup freshly grated Pepper Jack cheese, or more to taste; Tortilla chips/strips; Fresh cilantro; Sour cream; Avocados; Tomatoes; Lime juice; Hot sauce, to taste

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There are few things more satisfying than a big, steaming bowl of Chicken Tomato Rice Soup. This soul-warming dish brings together tender chicken, a rainbow of bell peppers, robust spices, and the cozy richness of rice simmered in fragrant broth. It’s nourishing, flavorful, and bursting with color — the kind of comforting meal you reach for on chilly evenings or when you need a taste of home. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving leftovers for lunch, Chicken Tomato Rice Soup is the answer.

Chicken Tomato Rice Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Chicken Tomato Rice Soup is how it turns simple pantry staples into a pot of absolute magic. Each ingredient has a purpose — from the chicken for protein and the peppers for sweetness, to the rice, which adds heartiness and a luscious texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with my favorite tips to get the most flavor from every scoop:

Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use high-quality extra-virgin for a silky base and just the right amount of richness.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and a touch of creaminess to round out the flavors.
Chicken thighs (1 pound, thinly sliced): Thighs stay juicy after simmering, but you can substitute chicken breast if you prefer.
Onion (1/2 large, thinly sliced): The gentle sweetness of onion gives the soup a savory backbone.
Red, orange, and yellow bell peppers (1 each, thinly sliced): These provide sweetness, vibrant color, and a touch of crunch.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic makes all the difference in aroma and depth.
Flour (2 tablespoons): Just enough to lightly thicken the broth, giving it a cozy, stew-like texture.
Chicken bouillon powder (2 teaspoons): For an extra boost of savory umami flavor — trust me, it elevates the stock.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and brightens all the other flavors.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and roundness to the spice profile.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Earthy and comforting, cumin is the spice that brings everything together.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the soup a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough for a mild kick and aroma.
Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): A classic herb that adds a lovely, Mediterranean touch.
Long-grain white rice (3/4 cup, uncooked): Basmati works wonderfully, keeping the grains fluffy but tender.
Black beans (1 can, 15 oz, rinsed and drained): Beans add creaminess and extra protein.
Mild diced green chilies (1 can, 4 oz): These bring gentle heat without overwhelming the soup.
Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): For bright acidity and a deeply satisfying tomato flavor.
Low sodium chicken broth (4 cans, 14.5 oz each): Broth forms the soul of the soup, so use a good quality one if you can.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the soup for that luscious, comforting consistency.
Pepper Jack cheese (1 cup, freshly grated or more): Melts into the soup for a creamy, slightly spicy finish; also great as a garnish.
Toppings (to taste): Tortilla chips or strips, fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced avocados, chopped tomatoes, lime juice, and hot sauce — each adds its own pop of flavor and texture, so customize to your heart’s content!

How to Make Chicken Tomato Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Onions

Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. When the butter melts and sizzles, add the thinly sliced chicken and onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes — this quick sear locks in the chicken’s flavor and lets the onion soften, releasing its natural sweetness. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks or browns too quickly.

Step 2: Add the Peppers, Garlic, Flour, and Spices

Now toss in all your beautiful, sliced bell peppers, minced garlic, flour, and those aromatic spices: chicken bouillon powder, salt, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, pepper, and dried oregano. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This cooks off the raw flour flavor and lets the spice blend coat every bit of chicken and pepper — your kitchen will smell incredible.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Next, stir in the uncooked rice, rinsed black beans, diced green chilies, and crushed tomatoes. Pour in three cans of chicken broth and mix well. For the final can of broth, whisk it together with the cornstarch to dissolve completely, then add to the pot. This helps thicken the soup as it simmers, creating that signature velvety texture.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfectly Tender

Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the rice — depending on your heat and the size of your pot, you may need a bit more or less time. When the rice is just tender and the soup is deliciously aromatic, you’re ready for the grand finale.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Adjust Consistency

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the freshly grated Pepper Jack cheese. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding even more creaminess and a pop of gentle spice. If you like your Chicken Tomato Rice Soup a bit thinner, simply add extra broth or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning, then get creative with garnishes for individual servings!

How to Serve Chicken Tomato Rice Soup

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing Chicken Tomato Rice Soup, more is always better! If you want crunch, toss a handful of tortilla strips or chips on top. For color and zing, go with diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro. Spoons of sour cream add coolness, while a twist of lime brightens everything. Feeling adventurous? Drizzle on your favorite hot sauce — the flavor combinations are truly endless.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty soup with simple sides like warm cornbread, cheesy quesadillas, or a crisp green salad tossed with citrusy dressing. For a cozy meal, serve with a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables or warm, fluffy dinner rolls. Because Chicken Tomato Rice Soup is so filling, even a handful of seasoned tortilla chips makes for a delightful crunch on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in big, rustic mugs for an informal gathering, or in bread bowls for a memorable, edible presentation. For a southwestern twist, set up a “DIY garnish bar” with all the toppings so everyone can customize their own bowl. If you’re packing lunchboxes, ladle the soup into thermoses with an extra pouch of chips for dunking — easy, fun, and satisfying!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best features of Chicken Tomato Rice Soup is that it only gets better as it sits. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will meld, and the soup becomes even richer and more savory — it just might become your new favorite meal prep option.

Freezing

Looking to stash some comfort for later? This soup freezes beautifully! Once cooled, transfer individual portions or the whole batch to freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or gently reheat straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat Chicken Tomato Rice Soup, warm large batches on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For individual servings, the microwave does the trick in just a few minutes — cover the bowl and stir halfway through for even heating. If you’re using a crockpot, set it to low and let the aroma fill your kitchen as the soup comes back to life, perfect for easy lunches or family dinners.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a heartier, more nutritious option. Just remember, it takes longer to cook, so add some extra simmer time and check the grains for doneness before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken Tomato Rice Soup?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for extra beans, tofu, or even hearty roasted vegetables. Use a flavorful vegetable broth and follow the same steps — the result will still be comforting and delicious.

What if I don’t have Pepper Jack cheese?

No worries! Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend all work beautifully. You can also leave the cheese out entirely or use it only as a topping if you prefer a dairy-free option.

Can I make Chicken Tomato Rice Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Simply add all the ingredients (except cheese and garnishes) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Stir in the cheese at the end, and you’re ready to serve.

How can I adjust the spice level?

If you prefer things milder, use less chili powder and omit the hot sauce or green chilies. For extra heat, try adding a dash of cayenne or more hot sauce to individual bowls when serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines comfort, big flavor, and a riot of color in every spoonful, give Chicken Tomato Rice Soup a try — I promise, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too! Grab a pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy some seriously good soup with the people you love.