Get ready to warm your soul with a bowl of Spicy Chicken Rice Soup that’s bursting with flavor and comfort! This delightful dish combines tender chicken thighs, aromatic spices, and hearty rice, creating a culinary hug that’s perfect for any day of the week. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a meal that serves four and leaves your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you're battling the winter chill or simply craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Dive in and discover how easy it is to make this spicy sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken thighs into small, uniform pieces, finely chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Brown the diced chicken thighs until they develop a golden color and are partially cooked, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over the chicken and onion mixture, stirring to coat evenly and release the spices' aromatic oils.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add rice to the pot, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting spice levels as preferred.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and dice the chicken thighs ahead of time. This will streamline the cooking process and make it easier to throw everything together.
- Customize the Spice: If you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce. Conversely, for a milder soup, reduce the chili powder or omit it altogether.
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can use that instead of raw chicken thighs. Just add it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through.
- Add Vegetables: For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or corn to the soup. They’ll add color and flavor while making the dish even heartier.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro garnish! It adds a bright, fresh flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup. You can also add a squeeze of lime for an extra zing.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 488kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
