Description
One Pot Pepper Jack Chicken Fajita and Rice Soup delivers bold, creamy, one-pot comfort with juicy chicken, tender rice, peppers, and melty Pepper Jack cheese in a fajita-spiced broth. This easy weeknight meal comes together in one pot in under 40 minutes, is gluten-free and halal-friendly, and makes 6 servings of cozy, kid-approved soup that’s perfect for leftovers, meal prep, and crowds. The recipe yields a hearty bowl with protein, starch, and veggies, accommodating spice levels and dairy by adjusting cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet fajita seasoning or homemade seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
- 4 cups halal, gluten-free chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, fajita seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in rinsed rice, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded Pepper Jack cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with desired garnish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with turkey or use breasts or thighs according to preference.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream or milk and reduce the cheese.
- Ensure broth is halal and gluten-free if needed.
- Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of broth if it thickens.
- Adjust fajita seasoning for a milder or spicier flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 430-450 per serving
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800-900 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: One Pot Pepper Jack Chicken Fajita and Rice Soup, pepper jack chicken fajita soup, one pot fajita soup, gluten free fajita soup, halal chicken soup, creamy fajita soup