When you need something warm, healing, and delicious, nothing hits the spot like a bowl of Chicken and Rice Soup. This comforting classic is the perfect remedy for chilly days, colds, or simply a craving for a cozy meal.
Made with tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, fluffy rice, and a flavorful broth, it’s a simple one-pot recipe the whole family will love. You can make it on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or even the Instant Pot. It’s versatile, healthy, and ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- ¾ cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and herbs and sauté for 1 more minute.
Step 2: Add Broth and Rice
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15–18 minutes, until the rice is tender.
Step 3: Add Chicken
- Stir in the cooked chicken and let it simmer for another 5–10 minutes to heat through. If the soup becomes too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Season and Finish
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Taste and adjust as needed.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Variation:
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup: Add ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk at the end for a creamy finish
- Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale just before serving
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños
- Use Brown Rice: Sub with brown rice and simmer 10–15 minutes longer
- Instant Pot Method: Use sauté mode for vegetables, add all ingredients, and pressure cook for 8 minutes, quick release
COOKING Note:
Cook rice separately if you’re making the soup in advance. It prevents the rice from soaking up all the broth and turning mushy during storage.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with buttered toast, crusty baguette, or cheddar biscuits
- Top with fresh lemon zest or grated Parmesan
- Serve as a light dinner with a simple side salad
- Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess
- Serve in a thermos for school or work lunch
Tips:
- Shred rotisserie chicken for quick prep
- Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor
- Double the batch and freeze half for later
- Cool soup before refrigerating to keep it fresh longer
- Add rice just before serving if planning to store for days
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 6 servings):
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Fat: ~10g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~450mg
Nutritional values may vary depending on chicken and broth used.
❓FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken?
- Yes! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Can I freeze chicken and rice soup?
- Yes, but freeze it before adding rice, or cook rice separately and add when reheating to avoid mushiness.
How do I make it vegetarian?
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use white beans or chickpeas instead of chicken.
What kind of rice works best?
- Long grain white rice, jasmine, or even wild rice all work. Just adjust the cooking time.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
- Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion:
Chicken and Rice Soup is the kind of wholesome, feel-good recipe that never goes out of style. It’s warm, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable to your taste and kitchen staples. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just need a comforting bowl of something cozy, this soup is the answer.
Make a big batch, savor the flavor, and enjoy the leftovers—it’s a hug in a bowl!