Warm, hearty, and brimming with flavor, Aguado de Gallina, or Chicken Rice Soup, is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This traditional Latin American dish combines tender chicken, short-grain white rice, and a medley of vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper, all simmered in a fragrant broth seasoned with cumin and annatto powder. Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant finish to this nourishing soup, which cooks to perfection in just over an hour. Itβs a one-pot wonder thatβs both wholesome and satisfying, ideal for family meals or cozy nights at home. Whether youβre seeking soul-soothing warmth or a taste of authentic Ecuadorian cuisine, this chicken rice soup delivers on flavor and comfort.
Cut the chicken into serving pieces and rinse with cool water. Set aside.
Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Roughly chop the cilantro.
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, and annatto powder. SautΓ© until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning the chicken to coat it in the aromatic mixture.
Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
Stir in the rice, potatoes, and carrots. Cover and let the soup simmer gently for another 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Once the rice, potatoes, and carrots are tender, taste and adjust the salt as needed. Stir in the chopped cilantro and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with additional cilantro as garnish if desired.
Calories |
2650 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.1 g | 118% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.1 g | 101% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 26.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1120 mg | 373% | |
| Sodium | 6022 mg | 262% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 176.4 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.4 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.1 g | ||
| Protein | 287.7 g | 575% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 470 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 15.4 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 5941 mg | 126% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.