Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup: Cozy Comfort Bowl

Salsa Verde chicken rice bowl recipe-for-chilly-evenings/”>hearty stuffed pepper soup It’s a hearty hug in a bowl, ready to warm your soul on those chilly evenings when all you want is cozy comfort. cozy stuffed pepper soup.

Now, let me take you back to the time I first made this soup. My kitchen was filled with tantalizing aromas, and my friends were peeking in like curious cats. The anticipation was palpable! As I ladled out the vibrant green concoction, their eyes widened with delight, and just one spoonful had them proclaiming it was “the best thing ever.” Trust me; you’ll want to whip this up for any gathering or even just a quiet night in—after all, who doesn’t love a little fiesta in their mouth?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
  • Bursting with vibrant flavors, it’s sure to brighten up any meal
  • The beautiful green color adds visual appeal that will impress your guests
  • Versatile enough to modify based on what ingredients you have on hand!

I remember serving this soup at a game night with friends, and they couldn’t get enough of it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.

  • Salsa Verde: Choose fresh or jarred salsa verde for an authentic kick that brings everything together.

  • Long-Grain Rice: Opt for long-grain rice as it cooks evenly and adds nice texture to the soup.

  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness while ensuring rich flavor.

  • Fresh Cilantro: Chop fresh cilantro right before serving for brightening up the flavors!

  • Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime juice adds acidity that balances out the richness beautifully.

  • Onion and Garlic: Sauté onion and garlic together for that aromatic base that sets the stage for flavor.

  • Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers for crunch and sweetness; they’re irresistible!

  • Spices (Cumin & Chili Powder): These spices punch up the flavor profile—don’t skip them!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping all your veggies finely. Dice onions, garlic, bell peppers, and set aside so they’re ready when you need them.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic until they turn fragrant and translucent—about 2-3 minutes.

Add Chicken: Toss in your chicken breasts into the pot alongside seasonings like cumin and chili powder. Cook until browned on each side—about 5 minutes total.

Pour in Broth: Carefully add the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let it bubble away happily for around 15 minutes so flavors can marry beautifully.

Add Rice & Salsa Verde: Stir in long-grain rice along with salsa verde. Allow it to cook until rice is tender—around 20 minutes—stirring occasionally.

Finish Off With Freshness: Once cooked through, stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice right before serving for that zesty finish!

Now you’ve got yourself a steaming bowl of Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup ready to make any day feel special! Enjoy every spoonful as if it’s the last drop of liquid gold because trust me; you’ll want seconds! savory chicken linguine.

You Must Know

  • This Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl
  • The vibrant flavors and colors will brighten even the gloomiest days
  • Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup warms your soul while filling your belly

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding chicken and broth; then stir in rice and bring to a simmer. This sequence maximizes flavor while ensuring everything cooks perfectly.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap brown rice for quinoa or add black beans for extra protein. A sprinkle of lime brings a zesty kick that brightens every bite.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed for consistency.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfectly cooked rice, don’t skip rinsing it before cooking to remove excess starch
  • Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels easily
  • Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to enhance flavor

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of cozy nights spent with friends, laughing over bowls of soup that warmed us from the inside out.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully in this recipe and saves time. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.

What can I substitute for salsa verde?

Try tomatillo sauce or homemade green salsa if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I make this soup spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce during cooking for an extra kick!

Print
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Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup


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  • Author: Hellen
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Description

Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup is a delightful combination of tender chicken, hearty rice, and zesty salsa verde, all simmered to perfection. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings with friends. With vibrant flavors and an inviting aroma, each spoonful feels like a warm embrace. Easy to prepare and customizable, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup salsa verde
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: chop onions, garlic, bell peppers, and set aside.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil and sauté onions and garlic for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken breasts along with cumin and chili powder; cook until browned on both sides (approximately 5 minutes).
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer; let cook for about 15 minutes.
  5. Stir in the long-grain rice and salsa verde; cook until rice is tender (around 20 minutes), stirring occasionally.
  6. Finish by adding fresh cilantro and lime juice just before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
Chef & Blogger

Hellen Weiss

Hi, I’m Hellen Weiss—a passionate home cook, food lover, and recipe creator! My kitchen is my happy place, where I experiment with flavors, recreate family favorites, and discover new dishes to share with you.