Skip to main content

Chicken Fajita Soup with Rice

One-Pot Chicken Fajita Soup with Rice – The Cozy Dinner You’ll Crave Every Night

One-Pot Chicken Fajita Soup with Rice – The Cozy Dinner You’ll Crave Every Night

As someone who spends countless hours in the kitchen testing recipes and writing about food, I can honestly say there are a few recipes that instantly become “repeat offenders” in my weekly meal rotation. This one-pot chicken fajita soup with rice recipe is one of them. It’s hearty, cozy, packed with Mexican-inspired flavors, and best of all—it’s flexible enough to make on the stove top, in the crockpot, slow cooker, or even in the instant pot. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual fiesta-style party, this dish is always a hit.

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

One-Pot Chicken Fajita Soup with Rice – The Cozy Dinner You’ll Crave Every Night

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajita Soup

  • Hearty & Healthy – Loaded with lean protein, beans, rice, and vegetables.
  • Mexican Fiesta Flavors – Think smoky peppers, onions, and cheesy creamy goodness.
  • One Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
  • Versatile – Works on stove top, crockpot, instant pot, or slow cooker.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion – Cozy dinner, meal prep, or even a party centerpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list is designed for about 6 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced into strips
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire roasted for extra flavor)
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for cheesy finish)
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creamy finish)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and tortilla chips for garnish

How to Make Chicken Fajita Soup with Rice

  1. Prep the chicken and veggies: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Slice the onions and peppers into strips.
  2. Sauté for flavor: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add the base: Stir in the chicken, rice, beans, tomatoes, broth, and all spices. Mix well.
  4. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Make it creamy or cheesy (optional): Stir in shredded cheese and cream for a luscious finish.
  6. Garnish: Top with lime juice, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or tortilla chips before serving.

Cooking Methods

Stove Top One Pot Method

The classic way—fast and flavorful. Just follow the steps above, simmering everything in one pot until perfect.

Crockpot / Slow Cooker

Add all ingredients (except rice, cheese, and cream) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4. Add rice during the last hour of cooking. Stir in cheese and cream before serving.

Instant Pot

Use the sauté function to cook onions, peppers, and garlic. Add chicken, beans, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Stir in rice, then seal lid. Pressure cook for 10 minutes and let natural release for 10 more. Stir in cheese and cream after opening.

Recipe Variations & Tips

  • Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers for more spice.
  • Swap in brown rice for a healthier twist (increase cooking time).
  • Use pinto beans instead of black beans.
  • Double the recipe for party-sized portions at your next fiesta.
  • Make it extra cheesy with Monterey Jack or pepper jack.

Amazon Kitchen Must-Haves for This Recipe

Over the years of testing soups and one-pot meals, I’ve learned that the right tools can truly make or break your cooking experience. Here are three Amazon favorites I personally recommend that pair beautifully with this recipe:

1. Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

A heavy-duty Dutch oven is my go-to for soups like this. The even heat distribution ensures your rice cooks perfectly without burning. Plus, it’s gorgeous enough to serve straight from the pot at a party. Get your Lodge Dutch Oven on Amazon →

2. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1

If you love quick, hands-off cooking, the Instant Pot is a must-have. I use mine constantly for soups, stews, and even beans from scratch. For this chicken fajita soup with rice recipe, it turns a 30-minute simmer into a 10-minute pressure cook. Shop the Instant Pot Duo on Amazon →

3. Cuisinart Chef’s Knife

A sharp, reliable knife makes prepping all those bell peppers, onions, and chicken so much faster and safer. The Cuisinart Chef’s Knife is budget-friendly, durable, and a true workhorse in my kitchen. Grab your Cuisinart Chef’s Knife on Amazon →

What to Serve With Chicken Fajita Soup

  • Warm flour tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.
  • A crisp Mexican-inspired salad with lime dressing.
  • Mexican street corn for extra fiesta flair.
  • A refreshing agua fresca.

Storing & Reheating Tips

This soup is fantastic for meal prep because it holds up beautifully:

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheating: Warm on stove top or microwave. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Final Thoughts

Writing about this chicken fajita soup with rice recipe made me crave it all over again—I’m honestly tempted to cook another batch tonight. It’s one of those meals that brings warmth to your kitchen and comfort to your table, no matter how you cook it—on the stove top, in a slow cooker, or in your instant pot. With its hearty blend of chicken, rice, beans, and fajita veggies, it’s not just a soup; it’s a bowl of happiness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, prepping for a busy week, or serving at your next fiesta, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mexican Flank Steak Marinade

How to Make the Best Mexican Flank Steak Marinade (With a Chef’s Tip!) There’s something truly magical about a well-marinated steak sizzling on the grill, filling the air with rich, smoky aromas. I still remember my first experience with authentic Mexican Flank Steak Marinade. It was on a trip to Mexico, where I stumbled upon a tiny street food stand in Mexico City. The chef behind the grill had been marinating the steak since the morning, and when I finally took a bite of the juicy, flavorful carne asada taco, I knew I had to learn how to recreate it at home. Since then, I’ve tested countless recipes, fine-tuned the flavors, and even picked up a chef’s trick that makes the steak extra tender. In this post, I’ll share my best homemade Mexican Flank Steak Marinade with exact measurements, quick and easy tips, and product recommendations to elevate your cooking. Whether you're making taco meat, carne asada, or just wondering what to have for dinner, this marinade will become y...
Post a Comment
Read more

Shrimp Boil Recipe Stovetop

This One-Pot Stovetop Shrimp Boil Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe! There’s nothing quite like a classic shrimp boil—the bold flavors of juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky sausage all cooked together in a spicy, buttery broth. Traditionally, shrimp boils are cooked outdoors in huge pots, making them a summer staple. But what if I told you that you can achieve the same delicious taste at home with a one-pot stovetop shrimp boil? Yes, it’s totally doable, and I’m here to show you how! I first made this stovetop shrimp boil on a chilly evening when I was craving seafood but had no interest in standing outside over a giant boiling pot. After some trial and error, I found the perfect balance of Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, and a rich butter sauce to make this dish just as flavorful as the traditional version. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly—perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cos...
Post a Comment
Read more

Grilled Fish Tacos with Tangy Cabbage Slaw

How to Make the Best Grilled Fish Tacos with Tangy Cabbage Slaw (So Easy!) There’s something truly magical about biting into a perfectly grilled fish taco. The smoky, charred edges of the fish, the fresh crunch of cabbage slaw, and the zing of a creamy cilantro lime sauce—it’s a flavor explosion in every bite! As someone who adores fresh, vibrant meals that come together effortlessly, I can tell you these grilled fish tacos with cabbage slaw are a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. I still remember my first attempt at making fish tacos at home. I was skeptical about getting the seasoning just right, worried that my fish would stick to the grill, and unsure if I could replicate the flavors I had enjoyed at my favorite coastal taco joint. But after a few tries and some simple tweaks, I found the ultimate recipe that delivers the best balance of smoky, tangy, crunchy, and spicy flavors. And now, I’m sharing it with you! This post may contain affiliate...
Post a Comment
Read more