Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and Rice Soup that’s perfect for cozy nights and sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor—just like the one in the image. This recipe is packed with tender chicken, soft rice, and a delicious, flavorful broth that’s perfect for any season.

Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

For the Soup Base:

1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
1 teaspoon dried rosemary(optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric(optional, for added color)
6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons lemon juice (for a bit of acidity)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES:

In a large pot, heat the olive oilover medium heat.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables have softened and the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If you’re using dried rosemary, thyme, or turmeric, add them at this stage, stirring to combine.

2. ADD THE BROTH AND SEASONINGS:

Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and taste for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. ADD RICE AND CHICKEN:

Once the broth is simmering, add the uncooked rice to the pot. Stir it in, then cover and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
While the rice cooks, shred your cooked chicken (if you’re using rotisserie chicken, it’s super easy to just shred it with two forks).

4. COMBINE AND SIMMER:

Once the rice is cooked, add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well.
Simmer for another 5-10 minutesto heat the chicken through and let all the flavors marry.
If the soup thickens too much, add an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

5. ADD LEMON AND ADJUST SEASONING:

Stir in the lemon juice for a burst of freshness and a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the soup.
Taste the soup once more, adjusting the salt and pepper if needed.

6. SERVE AND GARNISH:

Once the soup is hot, remove the bay leaf and serve the soup in bowls.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and a glossy finish.

7. ENJOY!

Serve the soup warm, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers for dipping. This hearty chicken and rice soup is perfect for cozying up on a chilly evening or serving as a comforting meal anytime.

Why This Recipe Works

This Chicken and Rice Soup is a perfect balance of flavors and textures that come together in a bowl of comfort. Here’s why it’s so great:

Hearty and Filling: The combination of tender chicken, soft rice, and vegetables makes this soup a satisfying meal on its own. It’s perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.
Flavorful Broth: The homemade chicken broth (or store-bought) adds richness, while the herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and turmeric deepen the flavor profile, making each spoonful comforting and warm.
Easy to Make: It’s a one-pot dish that’s easy to put together and requires minimal effort. The slow cooking process brings out the natural flavors, and it’s perfect for busy nights or meal prepping.
Perfect for Leftovers: The soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and is even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Customizable: You can add extra vegetables, use brown rice instead of white rice, or swap in other herbs and spices to suit your tastes.

Tips and Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, peas, or corn. If you like extra greens, add some spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added nutrition.
Use Brown Rice: If you prefer brown rice, you can use it in place of white rice, though it will need to cook longer. You may need to add more liquid to the pot, as brown rice tends to absorb more broth.
Make it Creamy: For a creamy version of this soup, add a 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-halfat the end of cooking. Stir it in and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth along with more veggies like mushrooms or squash for a vegetarian-friendly version. You can add tofu for protein or leave it out entirely for a lighter option.
Instant Pot Version: To make this in an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to cook the vegetables. Then, add the broth, rice, and chicken, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick-release the pressure and stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce when simmering the soup.

Health Benefits of Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and immune function. It also provides important vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins (particularly niacin and B6) and phosphorus.
Rice is a great source of carbohydrates, which provide energy, especially for active individuals. Brown rice adds more fiber, which aids digestion and supports gut health.
Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions are full of vitamins and antioxidants, which support the immune system and overall health.
Broth (especially homemade) is full of collagen and amino acids that are good for joint, skin, and digestive health.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Rice Soup is a perfect comfort food dish that combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a warm bowl to enjoy during the fall or winter months, or you’re just craving something hearty, this soup will deliver every time.

With tender chicken, soft rice, and a flavorful broth, this soup is an all-time favorite that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your stomach. Plus, it’s easy to make, customizable, and great for leftovers, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.