Hi, food fans! Chef Andrew here, and today we’re diving into one of my favorite comfort foods—Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice . This dish is packed with bold flavors, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, all simmered in a rich, aromatic broth. Whether you’re craving something warm on a chilly day or just looking for an easy meal prep idea, this recipe has got you covered.
In this post, I’ll walk you through seven simple steps to create this delightful soup at home. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right ingredients to perfecting your spice blend. Plus, I’ll share some pro tips along the way to help you customize it to your taste. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice
Before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you why this soup is so special:
- Flavorful : A mix of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika gives it that irresistible kick.
- Hearty : The combination of chicken, rice, and veggies makes it a complete meal.
- Versatile : Adjust the heat level, swap out ingredients, or add extras like black beans and corn—it’s endlessly customizable!
- Easy to Make : Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something comforting without much fuss.
Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
The foundation of any great recipe starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice :
Essential Ingredients:
- Chicken : 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or use shredded rotisserie chicken if short on time).
- Rice : 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (brown rice adds more fiber and nuttiness).
- Broth : 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (homemade is ideal, but store-bought works too!).
- Vegetables : 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, and 1 red bell pepper—all diced.
- Garlic : 2 cloves minced (trust me, garlic makes everything better).
- Tomatoes : 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz).
Spices & Seasonings:
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper: ½ teaspoon (adjust to your spice tolerance)
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Black beans: 1 cup (for extra protein and texture)
- Corn: 1 cup (fresh or frozen)
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish
- Lime wedges: For brightness
Pro Tip: Use organic produce whenever possible for richer flavors and fewer chemicals.
Step 2: Prep Your Vegetables
Proper prep saves time later and ensures even cooking. Follow these quick steps:
- Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces.
- Mince the garlic finely—it will release its flavor faster during cooking.
- Rinse the canned tomatoes under cold water to remove excess liquid.
By chopping everything ahead of time, you’ll streamline the cooking process and keep things organized.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Let’s start building our base by searing the chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides (about 6–8 minutes total).
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Searing locks in juices and creates those delicious brown bits at the bottom of the pan, which add depth to the broth later.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Now it’s time to build flavor with aromatics:
- In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and the peppers soften slightly.
These humble ingredients form the backbone of the soup, infusing it with savory goodness.
Step 5: Toast the Spices
This step might seem minor, but trust me—it’s crucial:
- Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper into the pot.
- Stir continuously for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to toast and release their oils.
Toasting spices enhances their aroma and potency, taking your soup from good to amazing.
Step 6: Simmer the Broth
It’s almost time to bring everything together:
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the diced tomatoes, followed by the cooked chicken.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
While the soup simmers, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich, flavorful broth.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Finally, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece:
- Stir in the cooked rice, optional black beans, and corn.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine fully.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more salt, pepper, or spice if desired.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
And there you have it—a bowl of pure comfort ready to warm your soul!
Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice: 7 Simple Steps to Deliciousness
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional add ins
- 1 cup black beans canned and rinsed
- 1 cup corn fresh or frozen
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for brightness
Instructions
Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect all the necessary ingredients, including chicken, rice, vegetables, spices, and broth.
Prep Your Vegetables
- Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic finely.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides (about 6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Toast the Spices
- Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper into the pot. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
Simmer the Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the diced tomatoes and return the chicken to the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Assemble and Serve
- Stir in the cooked rice, optional black beans, and corn. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
Tips for Customizing Your Soup
One of the best things about this Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Milder Version : Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use sweet paprika instead of smoked.
- Veggie Boost : Toss in spinach, zucchini, or green beans for added nutrition.
- Lower-Carb Option : Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a gluten-free twist.
- Protein Power : Add shredded turkey or tofu for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Don’t stop at serving the soup plain—make it a feast! Here are some pairing ideas:
- Crusty Bread : Perfect for sopping up every last drop of broth.
- Side Salad : A light salad balances the richness of the soup.
- Tortilla Chips : Crush them on top for crunch and authenticity.
For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for creaminess.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Planning ahead? This soup freezes beautifully! Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate : Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freeze : Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat : Gently warm the soup over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Cooking the rice separately helps prevent it from becoming mushy when stored.
FAQs About Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice
Here are answers to common questions about this recipe:
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
How Do I Make It Less Spicy?
Cut back on the cayenne pepper or substitute milder spices like oregano or thyme.
What is the secret ingredient in soup?
The secret ingredient in this Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice is toasted spices . Toasting spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder before adding them to the broth enhances their flavor, creating a deeper, more aromatic base. This simple step makes all the difference in achieving that rich, savory taste that sets this soup apart from ordinary chicken soups.
Is it good to put rice in soup?
Absolutely! Adding rice to soup not only makes it more filling but also adds texture and absorbs the flavorful broth, enhancing every bite. In this recipe, rice serves as a comforting base that complements the tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and bold spices. Whether you choose white or brown rice, it provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy broth and spicy elements, making the soup a complete meal.
How to add raw rice to soup?
To add raw rice directly to the soup, follow these steps:
Rinse the Rice : Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
Add to Simmering Broth : Once the soup has been simmering with the chicken and vegetables for about 15–20 minutes, stir in the rinsed rice. Ensure the rice is fully submerged in the broth.
Simmer Gently : Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for an additional 15–20 minutes (for white rice) or 30–40 minutes (for brown rice). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Check Doneness : Taste the rice periodically to ensure it reaches the desired tenderness without overcooking.
What is the best rice for soup?
The best rice for this Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice depends on your preference:
White Rice : Quick-cooking and soft, white rice blends seamlessly with the broth and absorbs flavors beautifully. It’s ideal for a lighter, smoother texture.
Brown Rice : Nutty and chewier, brown rice adds depth and heartiness to the soup. It holds its shape well during cooking and pairs wonderfully with the bold spices.
Jasmine Rice : For a fragrant twist, jasmine rice offers a slightly floral aroma that complements the spices in the soup.
Choose the type of rice that suits your taste and dietary needs. Both options enhance the soup’s overall flavor and satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a step-by-step guide to making the most comforting Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice . Whether you follow the recipe exactly or tweak it to suit your tastes, one thing’s for sure—you’ll love every bite.
So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s cook up some happiness. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and tag me on social media—I’d love to see it!
Want More Recipes?
If you enjoyed this post, check out these other crowd-pleasers:
- Hot and sour soup – Another hearty option for cold nights.
Happy cooking, friends! Until next time, stay hungry and keep exploring new flavors. 🍴