Zesty Mexican Chicken Rice Soup
This vibrant and flavorful Zesty Mexican Chicken Rice Soup is a perfect comforting dish for any time of the year. Packed with tender chicken, long-grain rice, and fresh vegetables, it bursts with zingy lime, aromatic cilantro, and the crunch of diced onions. Whether you're looking to warm up on a chilly day or impress guests with a wholesome meal, this soup is a delightful choice. Optionally spice it up with jalapeños for an extra kick! Perfectly paired with fresh tortillas or a side salad for a complete meal. This recipe is inspired by Mark Bittman's excellent culinary repertoire, showcasing the beauty of simple yet dynamic flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
6 cups (preferably homemade)
long-grain rice
1/4 cup (uncooked)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (seasoning)
fresh tomato
1 cup (diced)
white onion
1/2 cup (minced)
cooked chicken
1 cup (diced)
fresh lime juice
1/4 cup (or to taste)
cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped or more to taste)
jalapeño
to taste (minced (optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, add the chicken stock and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, stir in the long-grain rice along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the soup to simmer gently. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is tender.
3
While the soup is simmering, in a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced onions, cooked chicken, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño (if using). Mix well and set aside.
4
Once the rice has cooked, ladle the hot soup over the vegetable and chicken mixture in your serving bowls. Stir gently to combine the elements without losing the soup's warmth.
5
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mexican Chicken Rice Soup?
Zesty Mexican Chicken Rice Soup is a vibrant and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, long-grain rice, fresh vegetables, and bright flavors of lime and cilantro.
What type of chicken stock should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of chicken stock, and while any quality stock works, homemade chicken stock is preferred for the best depth of flavor.
How long does the rice take to cook in the soup?
Once the stock reaches a boil and the rice is added, it should simmer on low heat for approximately 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is recommended because it holds its shape well and provides a classic texture for the soup.
Is this soup spicy?
The base recipe is mild and family-friendly, but it can be made spicy by adding the optional minced jalape!o.
How do I incorporate the fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cilantro?
Instead of boiling them, you mix the diced tomatoes, onions, cooked chicken, lime juice, and cilantro in a separate bowl and ladle the hot rice soup over them.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, the recipe specifically requires 1 cup of diced cooked chicken, making it a great way to use leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
Why is lime juice added at the end?
Adding lime juice at the end preserves its bright, zesty acidity and prevents it from becoming bitter during the cooking process.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
You can cook the rice and stock ahead of time, but it is best to combine it with the fresh vegetable and chicken mixture just before serving to maintain texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Note that the rice may absorb more liquid as it sits.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken stock is certified gluten-free if you have a strict sensitivity.
Who inspired this Zesty Mexican Chicken Rice Soup recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the simple and dynamic culinary repertoire of Mark Bittman.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs beautifully with fresh tortillas, a side salad, or even a side of avocado slices.
Can I substitute white onion with another type?
Yes, you can use red onion for a sharper bite or yellow onion for a milder flavor if white onion is unavailable.
How much cilantro should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro, but you can adjust this amount to your personal taste preference.
Can I freeze this soup?
You can freeze the broth and chicken, but the rice may become mushy when thawed. It is often better to freeze the broth and add fresh rice when reheating.
What does 'Caldo' mean in the tags?
'Caldo' is the Spanish word for broth or soup, commonly used in Mexican cuisine to describe hearty, clear soups like this one.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients, including the seasoning and the optional jalape!o.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time (usually 40-45 minutes) and may require additional chicken stock.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
After ladling the soup over the fresh ingredients, taste it and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice until the flavor profile is to your liking.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers would make excellent additions to this soup.
What if I don't have fresh tomatoes?
While fresh is best for this recipe's texture, you could use well-drained canned diced tomatoes in a pinch.
How do I prepare the jalape!o?
Mince the jalape!o finely. For less heat, remove the seeds and ribs before mincing.
Is this soup considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is a wholesome choice packed with lean protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the rice, and various vitamins from the fresh vegetables.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice, which is typically the juice of about 2 medium limes.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
While lemon provides acidity, lime is traditional for Mexican flavors. Use lemon only as a last resort substitute.
How much rice is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of uncooked long-grain rice for 6 cups of stock, keeping the soup light and broth-forward.
What is the first step in making the soup?
The first step is to bring 6 cups of chicken stock to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
Is there dairy in this recipe?
No, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How do I ensure the rice doesn't get too soft?
Be sure to simmer the rice only until tender (about 20 minutes) and avoid overcooking it before combining with the other ingredients.