Heartwarming Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe: Soul-Soothing Goodness

Soup season brings warmth and solace on chilly evenings, especially when cooking a hearty chicken and rice soup that instantly soothes the soul.

The classic comfort dish combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked rice in a rich, golden broth.

Fragrant herbs and vegetables add depth and complexity to each spoonful.

Generations have cherished this simple yet nourishing meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this soup offers a delicious solution for cold days or when you need a quick, wholesome meal.

You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together, delivering pure comfort in a bowl.

Savor every comforting bite and let this soup work its magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 6

Chicken and Rice Soup Ingredient Essentials

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for sautéing vegetables and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Butter: Offers a creamy, luxurious alternative to olive oil with a golden, comforting taste.
• Onion: Builds a deeply savory foundation with sweet, caramelized undertones when softened.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant orange color to the soup, packed with nutrients.
• Celery: Adds crisp texture and subtle herbal notes that complement the other vegetables.
• Garlic: Delivers a pungent, aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish's depth.
• Thyme: Introduces earthy, slightly minty herb flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• Parsley: Provides fresh, bright green color and clean, herbal finish to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base with rich, savory essence and depth of flavor.
• Shredded Chicken: Adds substantial protein and hearty texture to make the soup filling.

• Bay Leaf: Infuses subtle, complex herbal undertones during cooking.
• Rice: Transforms the soup into a complete meal with soft, comforting grains.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the existing flavors in the soup.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity to the overall taste profile.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the soup with a tangy, fresh accent that lifts all ingredients.

Tools That Help Simmer Chicken and Rice Soup Smoothly

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions, carrots, and celery.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure broth and rice accurately.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving soup into bowls.
• Shredding tool or two forks: Useful for shredding cooked chicken.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup from Scratch

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm up a pot with a splash of oil, tossing in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Let them dance and soften for a few minutes. Sprinkle in minced garlic and herbs, stirring until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

• Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a bubbly boil. Drop in uncooked rice and a bay leaf, then dial down the heat. Let everything simmer gently until the rice becomes tender and plump.

• Introduce the Protein

Fold in tender shredded chicken, allowing it to warm through and mingle with the other ingredients. The soup will start to look hearty and inviting.

• Fine-Tune the Taste

Pull out the bay leaf and give the soup a taste. Sprinkle in salt and pepper until it sings with flavor. A squeeze of lemon can add a bright, zesty note that makes the soup pop.

• Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Scatter some fresh herb confetti on top and serve alongside a chunk of crusty bread for the perfect comfort meal.

Tips to Keep Chicken Tender and Broth Savory

• Cook a big batch of soup and portion into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
• Ensure you use gluten-free chicken broth and confirm rice is certified gluten-free for people with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
• Swap chicken with plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale for more nutrition and color.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and control salt levels by adding herbs like rosemary or sage instead of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning gradually.
• Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, more luxurious texture. Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor.

Serve Chicken Soup in Bowls with Crackers

• Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair with a warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
• Hearty Wellness Boost: Top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like chives or dill for an extra burst of flavor and added nutritional benefits.
• Protein Power-Up: Add a side of hard-boiled eggs or a small dollop of Greek yogurt to increase the protein content and create a more filling meal.
• Texture Adventure: Garnish with toasted sliced almonds or crispy croutons for a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soup's smooth, comforting texture.

Store and Freeze Chicken and Rice Soup Properly

• Seal leftover soup in airtight containers and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before storing to maintain optimal flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
• Carefully transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight expansion space. Freeze up to 2-3 months, avoiding adding dairy or fresh herbs before freezing to prevent texture changes.
• Thaw frozen soup overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency. Add splash of chicken broth if soup appears too thick after refrigeration.
• Divide soup into individual serving portions before storing. This technique allows quick single-serving meals and prevents repeatedly reheating entire batch, which can compromise taste and nutritional quality.

FAQs

• What type of rice works best for this soup?

White or brown rice are both suitable. White rice cooks faster in about 15-20 minutes, while brown rice takes 30-35 minutes. Choose based on your preference for texture and cooking time.

• Can I use precooked chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or store-bought cooked chicken can save time. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup during the final 5 minutes of cooking.

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, this soup is nutritious. It’s packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, provides lean protein from chicken, and offers complex carbohydrates from rice. It’s a balanced, wholesome meal that supports good nutrition.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

To increase protein and make the soup more substantial, you can add more shredded chicken, include beans like white cannellini, or top with grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor and nutrition.

Comforting Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup delivers comfort through generations of home-cooked goodness. Simmered with tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and wholesome rice, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic, nourishing meal.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 8 cups (2 liters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) uncooked white or brown rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 0.5 lemon, juiced (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread for serving

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Combine onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until vegetables soften and become translucent, releasing their subtle sweetness.
2. Layer Flavor Foundation: Introduce minced garlic, thyme, and parsley to the vegetable base, stirring briefly to awaken their aromatic qualities and create a rich flavor profile.
3. Build Soup Structure: Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing to a vigorous boil. Add rice and bay leaf, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to marry and develop complex flavors.
4. Cook Rice and Integrate Proteins: Let rice absorb the broth’s essence, becoming tender and plump. Gently fold in shredded chicken, allowing the meat to warm through and infuse the soup with its delicate richness.
5. Final Seasoning and Refinement: Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper, balancing the soup’s flavor. Optional: Brighten the dish with a hint of lemon juice for a subtle, tangy undertone.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, adorning with fresh parsley sprigs. Accompany with a crusty bread slice to complete this comforting culinary experience.

Notes

• Choose the Right Rice: Select long-grain white rice or quick-cooking varieties to ensure proper texture and prevent mushiness during the cooking process.
• Control Liquid Absorption: Watch rice carefully during simmering to prevent overcooking; add extra broth if rice absorbs liquid too quickly to maintain soupy consistency.
• Optimize Chicken Preparation: Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for time-saving option, or poach fresh chicken breasts directly in the broth for maximum flavor infusion.
• Enhance Nutritional Value: Swap white rice with quinoa or brown rice for added protein and fiber, making the soup more nutritionally dense and suitable for health-conscious diets.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg