Welcome to a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico straight to your kitchen! This Chicken Fajita and Rice Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights or lively gatherings. With tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich broth infused with authentic fajita seasoning, this soup promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Ready to whip up a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into small, uniform cubes, finely chopping bell pepper and onion, and mincing garlic cloves.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Add diced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned and nearly cooked through.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become slightly translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and fajita seasoning, cooking for an additional 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Add pre-cooked rice to the soup during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to heat through without becoming mushy.
- Remove from heat and let soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, dice the chicken, bell pepper, and onion ahead of time. You can even store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to make cooking a breeze.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicy, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. Alternatively, you can reduce the fajita seasoning for a milder taste.
- Use Homemade Broth: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. It will elevate the taste of your soup significantly.
- Garnish Creatively: Don’t just stop at cilantro! Add a squeeze of lime, avocado slices, or shredded cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor and presentation.
- Make It a Meal: Serve the soup with warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side for a complete meal that your family will love.
- Leftovers Galore: This soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and the flavors only get better! Just reheat gently on the stove when you're ready to enjoy it again.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 65mg
