Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort wraps around you like a warm chicken and rice soup on a chilly evening.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through the air with each aromatic simmer.

This classic dish brings simplicity and nourishment to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients blend together, creating a melody of flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among soft grains of rice, promising a satisfying meal.

Broth infused with gentle herbs whispers stories of home-cooked traditions.

Ladling this soul-warming soup into bowls feels like an embrace from your most cherished memories.

Let’s uncover the magic that turns basic ingredients into pure culinary comfort.

Chicken and Rice Soup That Soothes with Every Spoonful

• A hearty soup that wraps everyone in warmth and deliciousness, perfect for chilly evenings or when someone needs a nutritious meal.
• Easily swap chicken with turkey, customize vegetables, or use leftover rice to make this recipe adaptable to what's already in your kitchen.
• Requires only 30-35 minutes total cooking time, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy households who want a nutritious meal without complex preparation.
• Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and balanced carbohydrates from rice, delivering a complete and satisfying one-pot meal that supports wellness.

Ingredients to Prep for Chicken and Rice Soup

• Olive Oil, Butter: Gentle fat for sautéing vegetables, adds rich flavor base.
• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup foundation with deep vegetable sweetness.
• Garlic: Provides sharp, warm flavor depth to the soup.
• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and earthy undertones.

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein for hearty soup substance.

• Chicken Broth: Primary liquid base with savory chicken flavor.
• Rice (White or Brown): Substantial grain that adds texture and makes soup filling.

• Bay Leaf: Subtle aromatic herb for background complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall soup taste.
• Lemon Juice: Optional bright acidic touch to lift soup's flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant green herb for visual appeal and fresh taste.

How to Cook Chicken and Rice Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Soften Vegetable Base

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Cook and stir until vegetables become tender and fragrant. Quickly mix in minced garlic, fresh thyme, and chopped parsley. Stir continuously for another minute to release their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Build Soup Foundation

• White rice requires 15-20 minutes
• Brown rice needs 30-35 minutes

Rice is ready when it’s soft and plump.

Step 3: Introduce Protein

Fold shredded chicken into the simmering soup. Let it warm through for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Elevate Flavor Profile

Carefully remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For a bright finish, squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup.

Step 5: Serve With Love

Ladle steaming soup into deep bowls. Scatter fresh parsley on top. Accompany with crusty, warm bread for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Mushy Rice or Dry Chicken

• Boost Vegetable Flavor: Sauté vegetables in olive oil or butter to enhance their natural sweetness and develop deeper, richer flavors before adding broth.
• Customize Rice Texture: Choose white rice for quicker cooking or brown rice for more fiber and nutty taste, adjusting cooking time accordingly to maintain perfect rice consistency.
• Optimize Chicken Tenderness: Use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken or gently poach chicken breasts to ensure meat remains moist and tender when added to the soup.
• Elevate Soup Brightness: Finish the soup with a splash of fresh lemon juice to add a vibrant, tangy note that cuts through the richness and brightens overall flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare soup in advance and store in refrigerator, as flavors will continue to develop and intensify, making next-day servings even more delicious.

Reheating and Storing Chicken and Rice Soup the Right Way

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaches 165°F.
• Move frozen soup to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat slowly in a pot, stirring frequently to maintain the soup's original texture and prevent separation.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken and Rice Soup Nights

• Select a rustic sourdough or hearty whole wheat bread to soak up the delicious broth, adding textural contrast and complementing the soup's comforting flavors.
• Choose a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the soup's richness with its bright acidity and subtle herbaceous notes.
• Create a simple mixed green salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette to provide a crisp, tangy counterpoint to the warm, hearty chicken and rice soup.
• Enhance the soup's depth by offering a small dish of extra virgin olive oil infused with fresh thyme or rosemary for optional table-side drizzling.

Swaps and Mix-Ins for Changing Things Up

Gluten-Free Chicken and Rice Soup: Replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Vegetarian Rice Soup: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version that maintains protein content.

Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce added salt, and enhance flavor with herbs like rosemary, sage, and extra thyme to create a heart-healthy option for individuals monitoring sodium intake.

Instant Pot Quick Version: Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then naturally release pressure for a faster preparation method that preserves the soup’s rich flavors and nutritional value.

Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic with this hearty chicken and rice soup, a soulful blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic herbs. Home kitchens come alive with warmth, promising nourishment and pure satisfaction in each comforting spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Base and Seasonings:

• 8 cups (2 liters) chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 0.5 lemon, juiced (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread for serving

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil or butter in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, then gently sauté diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic, fragrant thyme, and chopped parsley to the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for an additional minute to release their aromatic essence.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing the liquid to reach a rolling boil, then carefully incorporate uncooked rice and a single bay leaf, reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
4. Allow rice to cook slowly, absorbing the flavorful broth, which takes roughly 15-25 minutes depending on rice variety, ensuring grains become tender and plump.
5. Fold tender shredded chicken into the simmering soup, letting the meat warm through and meld with the surrounding flavors for approximately 4-5 minutes.
6. Extract and discard the bay leaf, then season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Optional: Enhance the soup’s brightness by stirring in a splash of fresh lemon juice, which will provide a subtle, zesty undertone.
8. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with delicate fresh parsley sprigs and accompanying with a rustic slice of crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and create a healthier version of the soup.
• Customize the soup by using rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation or leftover roasted chicken for added depth of flavor.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy the meal.
• Enhance meal prep by cooking extra rice and chicken ahead of time, reducing overall cooking time and making the soup a convenient weeknight dinner option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg