Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken & Rice Soup

Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken and Rice Soup is hearty and satisfying comfort food made with pantry staples! It has big flavor and is loaded with tender chicken, rice, veggies and southwest spices.

The cooler weather is here to stay for a bit and you know what that means? Soup season! I’m all about easy and delicious soups. Cabbage Roll Soup is a staple around here!

I keep my Crockpot situated on the countertop for easy access since I make soups a few times a week. This Southwest Chicken and Rice Soup is one of my favorites. It has minimal prep time and only needs to slow cook for about 4 hours. 

Did I mention how yummy it is? If you enjoy a hearty soup with lots of savory flavor, you’ll love this simple recipe.

Ingredients

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You might already have most of these ingredients right now in your kitchen. The only ingredient I didn’t have was the jalapenos and green pepper.

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Here is what you’ll need to make this soup.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You can use another cut of cooked chicken if you like. I prefer white meat and always have chicken breasts so that’s why I used it.
• Onion: Yellow onions are my favourite. 
• Green pepper: I have a helpful post on the best way to chop a bell pepper.
• Jalapeno: Make sure to wear kitchen gloves and don’t rub your eyes right after chopping these spicy peppers.
• Garlic
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Frozen corn: You could also use canned corn if you like.
• Long grain white rice: I use Uncle Ben’s converted long grain white rice. You could use Minute Rice as well. 
• Lime juice: Fresh or bottled lime juice is fine.
• Salt and pepper

The FULL recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

How to Make

1. Add all ingredients except the rice to a 6 quart slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours.
3. Towards the end of the cooking time, cook the rice according to package directions. Add to soup mixture at the end of the cooking time and stir together.
4. Towards the end of the cooking time, cook the rice according to package directions. Add to soup mixture at the end of the cooking time and stir together.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

These kitchen tools will help you make this recipe.

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Garlic press
• Citrus press
• Ladle

How to Store

If you have any leftover soup, let it first come to room temperature. Ladle into covered containers and store in the fridge for up to three days.

You can reheat the soup in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a little broth or water if it’s really thick. It will thicken as it cools.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Make sure it comes to room temperature first. Then add the soup to either plastic freezer bags or freezer safe containers. Store in the freezer for up to three months.

Substitutions

• Use another cut of chicken (chicken thigh meat or legs is good) instead of the chicken breasts.
• Use leftover turkey instead of the chicken. This is an excellent way to use up those holiday leftovers!
• Use brown rice instead of white rice.
• Leave out the rice altogether to make a low carb soup.
• Not a big fan of spicy foods? Leave out the jalapeno peppers.

Topping Suggestions

Dressing up soups adds to the presentation WOW factor and adds and extra element of flavor.

Here are some topping ideas.

• Cubed or sliced avocado
• Air fryer tortilla chips
• Original Fritos corn chips (SO GOOD!)
• Cilantro
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges or slices
• Sliced jalapenos
• Green onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Recipe Tips

• Use leftover chicken or prepare the chicken ahead of time so it’s ready to go when you want to start making dinner. Rotisserie chicken from the grocery store also works!
• You can also cook the rice ahead of time and store in the fridge.
• Whatever you do, DO NOT add the rice in to cook for the 4 hours in the slow cooker. I tested it out that way and it was super thick and not at all “soup like”. The rice will absorb too much of the liquid.
• Make a topping bar so your family can top their soup bowls the way they like them.

More Easy Soup Recipes

• Lasagna Soup
• Busy Day Soup
• Cream of Tomato Soup
• Sausage and Cabbage Soup
• Pizza Soup
• Chipotle Chicken Soup
• Italian Herb Soup
• Spicy Sausage Soup
• Cream of Carrot Soup
• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chicken Fajita Soup
• Hamburger Soup
• Salsa Verde Chicken Soup
• Very Veggie Chicken and Rice Soup
• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Taco Soup

You’ll also like this Sausage Jambalaya.

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If you make the recipe, rate it on the recipe card below and tag me on Instagram and use #simplystacie. I like sharing the photos on my Instagram stories!