- Prepare the Ingredients
You will need: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 large diced red bell pepper, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 package knorr spanish rice mix, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup water, 1 cup frozen corn kernels, and 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (optional).
- Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Build the Soup Base
Pour in the entire package of knorr spanish rice seasoning and the dry rice from the mix. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the rice and spices lightly. This wakes up their flavors. Immediately add the can of diced tomatoes (with all their juices), the chicken broth, and the water. Stir well to combine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer to Perfection
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. Stir in the frozen corn and the shredded chicken (if using). Re-cover and continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid, leaving a thick, soupy consistency.
- Rest & Serve
Remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish absorbing liquid and the flavors to settle. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot, fragrant soup into bowls and garnish as desired.
- Calories:280 kcal
- Protein:18 g
- Carbohydrates:38 g
- Sugar:6 g
- Salt:1.2 g
- Energy:1170 kJ
- Fat:7 g
You know that feeling when you want dinner to be effortless but also need it to have enough personality to wake up the whole table? I was chasing exactly that mood when I first transformed a simple packet of knorr spanish rice into a whole meal. This condiment, with its bold tomato and pepper notes, is a fantastic short cut to flavor, but it deserves a supporting cast of fresh vegetables and protein to really sing. My version is a vibrant, soupy one-pot wonder that’s as comforting as a hug and as exciting as a Friday night. It’s the kind of dish that simmers away while you pour a drink, filling the kitchen with the most incredible, savory aroma.
The Rustic Origins of This Knorr Spanish Rice Soup
This recipe pulls inspiration from the tradition of adding a grain to a brothy, vegetable-laden pot to stretch it into a full meal. It’s a practice as old as cooking itself, found in kitchens from Spain to the American Southwest. The classic our recipe collection often focuses on a drier, pilaf-style side. Here, we lean into its potential as the flavor base for a hearty, spoonable main dish—a soupy, rustic take that feels both familiar and new. For a deeper dive on the science of building flavor in a pot, check out this fantastic resource from Serious Eats.
What Makes This Rice Side Special
The magic is in the texture and the layering. The rice itself cooks right in the pot, absorbing all the savory juices from the broth, tomatoes, and vegetables. What you get is a perfectly tender grain that’s suspended in a rich, slightly thickened, tomato-forward broth—neither a stiff side nor a thin soup, but something gloriously in between. It’s a deeply savory, slightly smoky, and just-spicy-enough bowl of comfort. The convenience of the packet is your secret weapon for a weeknight, but the fresh additions make it feel completely homemade.
The Pro-Tip: Building a Flavor Base
This is where you win. Don’t just dump everything in. Take the extra two minutes to properly sauté the onion and bell pepper until they’re soft and sweet. When you add the garlic, let it become fragrant for just 30 seconds before adding your liquid. That initial layer of cooked vegetables (the *sofrito*, if you want to be fancy) creates a sweet, aromatic foundation that the knorr spanish rice packet’s seasoning then builds upon. It’s the difference between good and “make-this-again-next-week” good.
Perfect Serving & Pairing Ideas
This dish is a meal in a bowl, but it loves company. Scoop it into deep bowls and top with a cooling dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, and a handful of fresh cilantro. A side of warm, buttery cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips for scooping is non-negotiable. For a drink, a crisp Mexican lager or a citrusy pale ale cuts through the richness beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, a smoky mezcal margarita would be a stellar match.
Variations & Clever Substitutions
The beauty of this template is its flexibility. Swap in knorr beef rice for a deeper, meatier foundation—just use a beef broth instead of chicken. Craving something earthier? The knorr mushroom rice packet is a fantastic vegetarian option; pair it with vegetable broth and add extra sliced mushrooms. For protein, browned ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans all work wonders. If you like it fiery, add a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
Make-Ahead & Storage Wisdom
This soup is arguably better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened up too much. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Your Knorr Spanish Rice Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Sauté the veggies on the stove first for best flavor, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the rice is tender.
Q: My rice soaked up all the liquid. What happened?
A> No problem—it just cooked a bit too long or over too high heat. Simply stir in an extra ½ to 1 cup of hot broth or water until you reach your desired soupy consistency.
So, there you have it. A little packet of flavor, a handful of fresh ingredients, and one pot are all you need to create something truly special. This recipe is a reminder that the most satisfying meals often come from the simplest concepts. Now, go raid your pantry, put that pot on the stove, and get ready for a fiesta. Let me know how yours turns out in the comments!
