Smoky Chicken, Bean & Rice Soup is a warm and hearty dish perfect for any day. This tasty soup combines chicken, black beans, and rice with savory spices to create a meal that feels comforting. Not only is it delicious, but it also packs in nutrition. With its smoky flavor and filling ingredients, this soup will soon become a favorite in your home.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for many reasons. First, it is easy to make. You can prepare it in one pot, which means less cleanup for you. Second, you can use leftover chicken, making it a great way to use what you already have at home. Third, it is filled with good ingredients like black beans, which are high in protein and fiber. Fourth, the smoky paprika gives the soup a unique flavor that will please your taste buds. Lastly, this soup is perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
HOW TO MAKE Smoky Chicken, Bean & Rice Soup
Making Smoky Chicken, Bean & Rice Soup is simple and fun. You can easily follow the steps below to create this delightful meal for your family or friends.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir often to prevent them from burning.
- Add the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The flavors will mix and deepen during this time.
- Stir in the cooked rice and heat through. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can start with a little and add more if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh flavor to the soup.
HOW TO SERVE Smoky Chicken, Bean & Rice Soup
Serve Smoky Chicken, Bean & Rice Soup hot in bowls. Provide toppings like chopped cilantro or extra cheese if desired. You can also serve it with bread on the side for added texture. This soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own, but it can also be a tasty starter for a larger meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Smoky Chicken, Bean & Rice Soup
This soup stores well. If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It will last for about 2 to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Smoky Chicken, Bean & Rice Soup pairs well with several sides. You might enjoy it with cornbread for a southern touch. A simple green salad adds a fresh crunch. Tortilla chips on the side can provide a nice crunch and are great for dipping. You could also serve it with some avocado slices for added creaminess.
VARIATIONS
Make this soup your own by trying different ingredients. Instead of chicken, you can use turkey or leave it out for a vegetarian option. Swap black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans if you prefer. Add corn for sweetness or diced bell peppers for more crunch. Change the broth to vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. You can also adjust the spices to match your taste.
FAQs
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients except the rice and cook on low for 6 hours. Add the rice towards the end for the best texture. - Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is gluten-free, as all the ingredients are naturally free from gluten. Just make sure to check the labels on your broth and canned goods. - How spicy is this soup?
The soup is not spicy, but you can add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for some heat if you like it spicy. - Can I use leftover rice?
Yes, leftover rice works great in this recipe. In fact, it helps save time and reduce waste.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Smoky Chicken, Bean & Rice Soup
If you want to prepare ahead, you can chop the vegetables and shred the chicken earlier in the day. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. You can also cook the soup and store it without rice. When ready to serve, reheat and add the rice. This will keep the rice from becoming mushy. Enjoy your cooking!
PrintSmoky Chicken, Bean & Rice Soup
A warm and hearty soup featuring chicken, black beans, and rice with savory spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chicken broth. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked rice and heat through for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken soup, bean soup, healthy soup, meal prep, comfort food