Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe with Rice

Introduction

Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup with Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines bold spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice in a comforting broth. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Chopt Creative Salad Co., this recipe is a homemade take on a restaurant classic. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal to warm you up or a recipe that combines protein, carbs, and bold flavors, this dish has it all. Best of all, it’s easy to customize to suit your preferences.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to making this delicious soup, including the ingredients you’ll need, the cooking techniques, and some helpful tips to make it your own. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients Needed

Must-Have Ingredients for Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup with Rice

To prepare Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup with Rice, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients, pantry staples, and aromatic spices. Here’s the complete list of what you’ll need:

Spicy Chicken and Rice Soup: Essential Ingredients

1. Chicken
   • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
   • Alternatively, use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2. Rice
   • 1 cup of cooked white, brown, or wild rice (for added texture and flavor).
3. Chicken Broth
   • 4 cups of chicken broth (low-sodium preferred for better flavor control).
4. Vegetables
   • Onion: 1 medium, diced.
   • Carrots: 2 large, peeled and diced.
   • Celery: 2 stalks, diced.
5. Garlic
   • 4 cloves, minced (adds a depth of flavor).
6. Tomatoes
   • 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces, no salt added for better seasoning control).
7. Chili Paste or Hot Sauce
   • 1-2 tablespoons, depending on your preferred spice level.

For more chicken-inspired recipes, consider exploring creative ways to use rotisserie chicken, which can be a convenient substitute for the fresh chicken in this soup.

Seasonings and Spices for Bold Chicken Soup with Rice

• Cumin: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness)

Garnishes and Finishing Touches

1. Fresh Cilantro: A handful of leaves, chopped for garnish.
2. Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (optional but adds a bright, citrusy finish).

Bold Flavors: Spices and Add-Ins for Chicken Soup with Rice

1. Black Beans: 1 cup (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed) for added protein.
2. Corn: 1 cup (fresh, canned, or frozen) for sweetness and texture.
3. Avocado Slices: For serving, adds creaminess.
4. Tortilla Chips: As a crunchy side or topping.

Cooking Instructions

Preparing Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup with Rice involves simple, step-by-step cooking techniques to bring out the bold flavors of the ingredients. Follow these instructions to create a delicious and comforting dish.

For more bold dinner ideas, consider pairing this soup with fluffy, no-yeast dinner rolls or perfect brioche dinner rolls for a complete meal.

Preparing the Base for Spicy Chicken Soup with Rice

1. Cook the Rice
   • Prepare 1 cup of rice according to the package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Chop the Vegetables
   • Dice 1 onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks into small pieces.
   • Mince 4 garlic cloves for added flavor.
3. Season the Chicken
   • Rub 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika.

Cooking Chicken and Rice for a Hearty Soup

1. Heat the Pot
   • Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Sear the Chicken
   • Sear the seasoned chicken breasts in the pot for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
   • Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step-by-Step Process for Cooking Bold Chicken and Rice Soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables
   • In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Toast the Spices
   • Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Toast the spices for 1 minute to enhance their flavor.
3. Add the Liquids
   • Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and stir to combine.
   • Add 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces) and 1-2 tablespoons of chili paste or hot sauce, depending on your spice preference.
4. Return the Chicken
   • Place the seared chicken breasts back into the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged in the broth.

Simmering the Soup

1. Bring to a Boil
   • Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
2. Simmer and Cook the Chicken
   • Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
3. Remove and Shred the Chicken
   • Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

Adding the Final Ingredients

1. Stir in the Rice
   • Add the cooked rice to the pot and stir well. The rice will absorb the flavors of the soup.
2. Optional Add-Ins
   • Stir in 1 cup of black beans and 1 cup of corn (fresh, canned, or frozen) if desired.
3. Adjust Seasoning
   • Taste the soup and add salt, pepper, or additional chili paste as needed.
4. Simmer Briefly
   • Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.

Finishing Touches

1. Add Fresh Lime Juice
   • Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice for a bright, citrusy finish.
2. Garnish
   • Top the soup with chopped cilantro and avocado slices for extra freshness and creaminess.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the Soup
   • Serve the soup hot in bowls, ensuring each serving has chicken, rice, and vegetables.
2. Pair with Sides
   • Pair with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Looking for a lighter chicken dish? Try the Caesar chicken recipe for a flavorful, low-carb option.

Once the ingredients are prepped and the soup base is ready, it’s time to simmer and bring all the flavors together. This step ensures that the chicken is cooked through, the spices meld beautifully, and the final touches are added for a delicious result.

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Return the Chicken to the Pot
   • Carefully place the seared chicken breasts back into the simmering broth.
   • Ensure they are fully submerged to cook evenly.
2. Simmer the Soup
   • Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce it to a low simmer.
   • Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 15-20 minutes.
   • Check the chicken’s doneness using a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
3. Check the Vegetables
   • Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking.
   • The carrots and celery should be tender but not mushy by the end of the simmering process.

Shredding the Chicken

1. Remove the Chicken
   • Use tongs to carefully lift the cooked chicken breasts out of the soup and transfer them to a clean cutting board.
2. Shred the Chicken
   • Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
   • Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to distribute it evenly throughout the soup.

Adding Rice and Finishing the Spicy Chicken Soup

1. Stir in the Cooked Rice
   • Add 1 cup of pre-cooked rice (white, brown, or wild) to the soup.
   • Mix well to ensure the rice absorbs the flavors of the broth.
2. Incorporate Optional Add-Ins
   • Black Beans: Stir in 1 cup of cooked or canned black beans.
   • Corn: Add 1 cup of fresh, canned, or frozen corn kernels.
   • These additions will boost the soup’s texture and nutritional value.
3. Adjust the Seasoning
   • Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or chili paste to your preference.

Letting the Flavors Meld

1. Simmer for Another 5 Minutes
   • Allow the soup to simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together while ensuring all ingredients are warmed through.
2. Add Fresh Garnishes (if desired)
   • Stir in a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice for brightness.
   • Garnish with chopped cilantro just before serving.

Preparing to Serve

1. Ladle the Soup
   • Use a ladle to transfer the soup into individual serving bowls.
   • Ensure each bowl has a balanced portion of chicken, rice, vegetables, and broth.
2. Optional Toppings
   • Top the soup with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
3. Serve Hot
   • Serve the soup immediately with your favorite sides like crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Serving Suggestions

Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup with Rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a complete meal or paired with complementary sides for an even more satisfying experience. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy your soup:

Garnishing Spicy Chicken and Rice Soup for Maximum Flavor

Adding the right garnishes elevates both the flavor and presentation of your soup:

1. Fresh Cilantro
   • Sprinkle chopped cilantro leaves over each bowl for a burst of freshness.
2. Avocado Slices
   • Add a few slices of ripe avocado for creaminess and a subtle flavor contrast.
3. Lime Wedges
   • Serve with lime wedges on the side so diners can add a tangy kick to their preference.
4. Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
   • A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the spice.
5. Crushed Tortilla Chips
   • Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch and a touch of saltiness.

Pair this soup with a zesty salad, like the ones featured in pros of grilled chicken salad, or a refreshing lemonade. For a twist, serve alongside easy gluten-free dinner recipes.

Side Dishes to Pair with Your Chicken Soup

Pair your spicy chicken soup with these sides for a full meal:

1. Crusty Bread
   • A slice of freshly baked bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
2. Salad
   • A simple green salad or a tangy coleslaw complements the soup’s rich flavors.
3. Cornbread
   • Sweet, buttery cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the soup’s spice.
4. Tortilla or Pita Chips
   • Serve alongside a bowl of crispy chips for scooping up hearty bites of the soup.

Beverage Pairings

Complete your meal with a refreshing drink:

1. Iced Tea
   • Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea cools the palate and balances the heat.
2. Lemonade
   • A zesty glass of lemonade complements the lime and cilantro flavors in the soup.
3. Sparkling Water
   • Add a slice of lime or cucumber for a refreshing, light beverage.
4. Beer or Wine
   • For adults, a light lager or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the bold spices of the soup.

Presentation Tips

Make your soup visually appealing with thoughtful presentation:

1. Use Rustic Bowls
   • Serve the soup in rustic ceramic bowls for a cozy, homemade feel.
2. Colorful Garnishes
   • Bright toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime add vibrant colors.
3. Layer Ingredients
   • Ensure each serving bowl has visible layers of chicken, rice, and vegetables for an appetizing look.
4. Table Setting
   • Present with napkins, a soup spoon, and lime wedges on a small plate for a polished dining experience.

Leftovers and Meal Prep

Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup with Rice is also great for meal prep and reheating:

1. Storage Tips
   • Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating Instructions
   • Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup thickens.
3. Freezing Option
   • Freeze in single-serving portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I Make This Soup in Advance?

Yes! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove, adding more broth if it thickens too much.

Can I Use Leftover Chicken?

Absolutely. Shred or dice leftover rotisserie chicken and add it during the final simmering step.

How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?

Use less chili paste or skip the chili powder for a milder version. For extra heat, add fresh jalapeño slices or a dash of cayenne.

Conclusion

Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup with Rice is a delightful and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with nutrients, vibrant flavors, and just the right amount of spice, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow the steps above to create your own version, and don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings and additional ingredients.

For more ideas and inspiration, check out these creative dinner recipes. Bon appétit!

Bon appétit!

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