Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken and Rice Soup

If you’re looking for a hearty slow cooker recipe that doesn’t take much effort but still delivers big on flavor, this Southwest chicken and rice soup is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.

With simple ingredients and just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a warm and filling meal that works for busy families, meal prep, or even casual get-togethers.

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Who Will Love This Southwest Chicken and Rice Soup

This recipe is a great fit for anyone needing an easy weeknight dinner that can cook while you’re busy with work, school, or family commitments.

Parents love it because it’s budget-friendly and uses pantry staples. College students or new cooks appreciate it because the slow cooker does most of the work.

And if you’re feeding a crowd, this recipe stretches easily and keeps everyone full.

What Makes This Slow Cooker Recipe Special

Unlike a plain chicken soup, this version is loaded with Southwest-inspired flavors—mild heat from jalapeno and chili powder, hearty brown rice, and sweet corn that balances everything out.

The slow cooking process allows the spices and vegetables to blend together, giving you a rich broth with plenty of texture.

It’s comfort food with a kick, and it’s customizable to your family’s preferences.

When to Serve Southwest Chicken and Rice Soup

This recipe is perfect for cool fall evenings, busy weeknights, or game day gatherings when you want something that feels hearty but doesn’t require hovering over the stove.

It also makes an excellent make-ahead lunch option—just portion it into containers and reheat throughout the week.

Because it’s a filling one-pot meal, you don’t need much else besides a side of tortilla chips or a slice of cornbread.

Where This Recipe Fits Into Your Meal Plan

If you’re meal planning on a budget, this soup is a solid option because it uses affordable ingredients like chicken, rice, and canned tomatoes.

It’s easy to double the recipe if you’re cooking for a large family or want to stock your freezer with leftovers.

Store it in airtight containers, and you’ll have a ready-made meal for another night without any extra effort.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This is more than just another chicken soup—it’s flavorful, filling, and versatile.

You can adjust the spice level for kids by leaving out the jalapeno, or you can add more toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips to make it heartier.

Because it’s cooked in the slow cooker, the chicken stays tender, the rice absorbs the spices, and the whole dish develops a depth of flavor you can’t get with a quick stovetop version.

How to Serve Southwest Chicken and Rice Soup

Serve it straight from the slow cooker into bowls and let everyone customize their own with toppings like cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, or sliced avocado.

This makes it a fun meal for family dinners where each person can build their own bowl.

It also works great for casual gatherings—set the slow cooker on warm and let guests serve themselves throughout the evening.

Pair it with warm tortillas, cornbread, or a simple side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal.

Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken and Rice Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 cans chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 tbsp. lime juice

Directions:

In a skillet, heat olive oil to medium-high heat and brown chicken breast, season with salt and pepper.

Add chicken, onion, green pepper, jalapeno, garlic, chili powder, cumin, chicken broth, tomatoes, corn, rice, and lime juice into a 6qt slow cooker.

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.

Spoon into bowls and garnish with avocado, cilantro, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken and Rice Soup

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice in this recipe?
Yes, but white rice cooks faster and may become too soft in the slow cooker. If you use white rice, consider adding it halfway through the cooking time instead of at the beginning.

Can I make this Southwest chicken and rice soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook the soup, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if needed.

Can I freeze this chicken and rice soup?
Yes, though the rice may soften when reheated. For the best texture, freeze the soup without rice, then cook and add fresh rice when reheating.

What toppings go best with Southwest chicken and rice soup?
Some popular choices are shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavor right before serving.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add extra jalapeno, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, or sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I cook this recipe on low instead of high?
Yes, you can cook it on low for about 6–7 hours if you’d rather let it simmer all day.