This article will guide you through making a delicious, chopt spicy chicken soup recipe with rice, perfect for meal prepping.
My Meal Prep Journey
Meal prepping has transformed my life. However, it wasn’t always smooth. Initially, I struggled. Planning and cooking felt overwhelming. I often ended up with repetitive meals. Eventually, I discovered the joy of experimenting. Now, my meal prep is fun and delicious. This journey led me to perfect recipes like this one. Therefore, I want to share my favorite chopt spicy chicken soup recipe with rice with you. Consequently, this recipe will make your meal prepping easier and more exciting.
The Beauty of Meal Prepping
Meal prepping offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it saves time during the week. Secondly, it promotes healthier eating. Additionally, it reduces food waste. Moreover, it helps manage your budget. Furthermore, it allows you to try new flavors and recipes. This chopt spicy chicken soup recipe with rice is a perfect example of a meal prep success.
Discovering the Perfect Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice
Finding this recipe was like striking gold. I wanted something flavorful, healthy, and easy to prep. Therefore, I started experimenting. I tried many different spices. I also tested various rice types. Finally, I perfected this chopt spicy chicken soup recipe with rice. This soup is now a staple in my meal prep routine. Indeed, it’s my go-to recipe for a comforting and nutritious meal.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This chopt spicy chicken soup recipe with rice isn’t your typical soup. It’s packed with flavor. The spice level is just right. The chicken is tender. The rice adds a satisfying texture. It’s a balanced meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. Therefore, it’s ideal for meal prepping.
Flavor Profile
The flavors in this soup are complex. Firstly, the spices give it a warm kick. Secondly, the chicken adds richness. Thirdly, the rice provides a hearty base. Finally, the fresh ingredients brighten the dish. Thus, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
Health Benefits
This chopt spicy chicken soup recipe with rice is not only delicious but also healthy. The chicken provides lean protein. Rice offers a good source of carbohydrates. Vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it is a well-balanced meal. Moreover, it’s low in fat and calories. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your chicken, you might also want to explore what is the healthiest method to consume chicken.
Detailed Recipe: Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice
Let’s dive into the heart of the matter. Here’s the detailed recipe for the perfect chopt spicy chicken soup recipe with rice. This recipe is easy to follow. It’s also perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
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6 cups chicken broth
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1 cup cooked rice (any kind)
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
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1/2 cup chopped cilantro
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Heat the Oil: First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Cook the Chicken: Next, add the chicken and cook until browned. Stir occasionally.
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Sauté Vegetables: Then, add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook until softened. This will take about 5 minutes.
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Add Spices: Afterward, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute. This helps to bloom the spices.
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Pour in Broth: Following this, add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
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Simmer: Subsequently, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
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Add Beans and Rice: Next, stir in the black beans and cooked rice. Cook for 5 more minutes.
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Stir in Cilantro: Then, stir in the chopped cilantro.
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Season to Taste: Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Serve hot. Garnish with lime wedges.
Meal Prepping Tips
Meal prepping this chopt spicy chicken soup recipe with rice is very easy. Here are some tips to make the process even smoother.
Storage
Store the soup in airtight containers. They can keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using a microwave, stir occasionally. Reheat until thoroughly heated.
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe. For example, add different vegetables. Corn, carrots, or zucchini would be great additions. You can also change the spice level. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat. Use different proteins like turkey or tofu.
Why This Recipe Is Great for Meal Prepping
This chopt spicy chicken soup recipe with rice is perfect for meal prepping because it’s easy to make. It also keeps well. The flavors develop even more overnight. This makes it ideal for enjoying throughout the week. Therefore, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to streamline their meal planning.
Saves Time
Prepping this soup on the weekend saves time during the busy weekdays. Accordingly, you have a healthy and delicious meal ready to go. This eliminates the stress of cooking every night.
Promotes Healthy Eating
Having a healthy meal prepped ensures you make good food choices. Consequently, you’re less likely to order takeout. Instead, you will have a nutritious option readily available.
Versatile
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your preferences. Furthermore, it works with any rice type. Additionally, you can use various protein sources. Therefore, it suits many different dietary needs.
Making Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice Your Own
Chiefly, cooking is about creativity. Feel free to experiment with this recipe. Unquestionably, you can add your personal touch. For example, try different types of chili. Adjust the spiciness to your liking. Moreover, consider adding other vegetables.
Adding Different Vegetables
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Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness.
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Carrots: Provide extra nutrients.
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Zucchini: Adds a mild flavor.
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Spinach: Boosts vitamin content.
Spice Level Adjustment
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Add more cayenne pepper for a hotter soup.
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Use milder chili powder for less spice.
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Include a touch of chipotle for a smoky flavor.
Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice: A Staple in My Kitchen
This chopt spicy chicken soup recipe with rice is a true staple. Basically, it combines convenience, health, and flavor. It has simplified my meal prep process. Furthermore, it has made my weekly meals more enjoyable. Therefore, I highly recommend adding this recipe to your rotation.
Simple and Quick
The recipe is simple and quick to make. Moreover, it requires minimal effort. Consequently, it’s perfect for busy individuals.
Nutritious and Delicious
The soup is nutritious and delicious. It contains all the necessary nutrients. The flavors are perfectly balanced. Thus, it satisfies both the body and taste buds.
Nutritional Content (Per 100g)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 75 |
Protein | 7g |
Fat | 2g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
Carbohydrates | 8g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 2g |
Sodium | 200mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making chopt spicy chicken soup recipe with rice.
Can I add rice directly to soup?
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Yes, you can add rice directly to soup. However, adding cooked rice prevents it from becoming too mushy. Stir in cooked rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
What can I add to spicy soup?
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You can add several ingredients to enhance spicy soup. Consider adding lime juice, coconut milk, or fresh cilantro. These will add extra flavor. Additionally, add more chili or hot sauce for extra heat.
Why put lemon juice in chicken soup?
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Lemon juice brightens the flavor of chicken soup. Furthermore, it adds acidity. This will balance the richness of the broth. Moreover, it can enhance the other flavors.
How to thicken up chicken and rice soup?
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You can thicken chicken and rice soup in several ways. Firstly, simmer the soup uncovered for longer. Secondly, add a cornstarch slurry. Thirdly, mash some of the rice and beans. Each method will add thickness.
Recipe: Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe With Rice
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
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6 cups chicken broth
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1 cup cooked rice (any kind)
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
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1/2 cup chopped cilantro
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Mince the garlic. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
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Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. The oil should shimmer, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook them until they are lightly browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavor of the soup. Stir the chicken occasionally to ensure even browning.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the pot. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. This step will create a flavorful base for the soup. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
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Bloom the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Toasting the spices enhances their flavor and adds depth to the soup.
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Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
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Simmer the Soup: Simmer the soup for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
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Add Beans and Rice: Stir in the black beans (rinsed and drained) and the cooked rice. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes. The rice and beans add heartiness to the soup.
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Stir in Fresh Cilantro: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro.
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Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
Nutritional Content (Per 100g)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 75 |
Protein | 7g |
Fat | 2g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
Carbohydrates | 8g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 2g |
Sodium | 200mg |