Easy Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty chicken and rice soup, promising warmth from the first spoonful.

Cold evenings suddenly feel gentler with this classic combination.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among soft rice grains, creating a beautiful harmony of textures.

Fragrant herbs dance through the broth, whispering memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Simple ingredients blend into something magical, turning ordinary moments into delicious experiences.

Seasonal vegetables add extra depth and nutrition to this nourishing meal.

You’ll want to savor every comforting bite of this soul-soothing classic.

Why Chicken and Rice Soup Feels Like Home

• Boost Nutrition Instantly: Packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and hearty rice, this soup delivers a powerhouse of nutrients in every comforting spoonful.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, or use leftover chicken to make this recipe perfectly tailored to your taste and pantry inventory.
• Quick Weeknight Rescue: Ready in under 45 minutes, this one-pot wonder provides a speedy, stress-free meal solution for busy families craving warm, wholesome dinner.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Soft, silky texture combines with rich broth and tender ingredients, creating a soul-warming experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Everything You Need for Chicken and Rice Soup

• Chicken: Tender, protein-packed main component of the soup, can use rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken.
• Rice: Hearty grain that adds substance and texture, white or brown rice work well.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base that provides depth and richness to the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup mirepoix that builds a robust flavor foundation, fresh and crisp vegetables are key.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds warmth and complexity to the soup's flavor profile.

• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and earthy notes, great for enhancing overall soup taste.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle flavor enhancer that adds depth during cooking, remove before serving.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and bringing out the soup's natural flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Optional ingredient that adds a fresh, tangy brightness to the finished soup.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and provides a rich base, choose based on personal preference.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery

Cook these vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, fresh thyme, and chopped parsley. Stir and cook for another minute to release their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Introduce Liquid Magic

• White rice cooks in 15-20 minutes
• Brown rice takes 30-35 minutes

Wait until the rice becomes tender and plump.

Step 3: Welcome the Protein Star

Slide shredded chicken into the simmering soup. Let it warm through for 5 minutes, absorbing the rich broth flavors.

Step 4: Perfect the Flavor Profile

Fish out the bay leaf. Taste and sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking. Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty twist.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Scoop the steaming soup into bowls. Shower with fresh parsley. Accompany with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Great Ideas for Better Chicken and Rice Soup

• Veggie Boost: Swap or add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or peas to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful soup.
• Rice Selection Matters: Choose short-grain white rice for creamier texture or brown rice for added fiber and nutty flavor; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; flavors will develop and intensify overnight.
• Protein Power: Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation or leftover roasted chicken to save time and reduce food waste.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free and skip bread for a completely gluten-free meal option.

Keeping Chicken and Rice Soup Fresh

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Microwave Option: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Great Side Dishes for Chicken and Rice Soup

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the soup's light, savory flavors with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines cut through the richness of the chicken and provide a bright, zesty contrast to the warm, comforting soup.
• Serve Alongside Rustic Sourdough: Grab a hearty slice of crusty sourdough bread to dip into the soup. Its tangy flavor and crunchy texture perfectly balance the soft, tender rice and chicken, creating a delightful eating experience.
• Add Herbaceous Side Salad: Toss together a light green salad with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives. Dress it with a lemony vinaigrette to echo the soup's bright lemon finish and add a fresh, crisp element to the meal.
• Finish with Herbal Tea: Conclude the meal with a soothing chamomile or mint tea. These gentle, warming beverages complement the soup's comforting nature and help aid digestion after a satisfying meal.

Different Takes on Chicken and Rice Soup

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Soup: Replace thyme and parsley with chili powder, cumin, and cilantro. Add diced green chilies and top with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Soup: Incorporate oregano, rosemary, and a splash of white wine. Stir in crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives before serving.
• Asian-Inspired Chicken Rice Soup: Swap herbs for ginger and green onions. Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and sesame oil. Garnish with crispy wonton strips for crunch.
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup: Stir in heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Add spinach leaves and grated parmesan cheese just before serving for a rich, velvety texture.

Questions About Chicken and Rice Soup Answered

• Why is rice added to chicken soup?

Rice adds heartiness and makes the soup more filling. It absorbs flavors and provides extra nutrition, turning a simple broth into a complete meal with complex carbohydrates.

• Can I use different types of rice?

Absolutely! White rice cooks faster, while brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients. Short-grain or long-grain varieties work well. Just adjust cooking time based on the rice type.

• How can I make the soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or kale. Consider using homemade chicken broth for more nutrients, or add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra protein and vitamins.

• Is this soup good for healing or when feeling sick?

Yes! Chicken soup has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Warm broth helps clear congestion, chicken provides protein, and vegetables offer essential vitamins to support immune health.

Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 38 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting chicken and rice soup wraps warm culinary memories into one delightful bowl. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, offering nourishing goodness that hugs your soul with each spoonful.

---

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

Main Cooking Components:

• 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, juice

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a flavor foundation by gently sautéing diced onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their natural sweetness.
2. Introduce minced garlic, thyme, and parsley to the vegetable medley, stirring quickly to prevent burning and to infuse the base with herbaceous undertones.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle boil while incorporating uncooked rice and a fragrant bay leaf.
4. Reduce heat to a low simmer, covering the pot to encourage the rice to absorb the flavorful broth and soften gradually, which typically takes 20-35 minutes depending on rice variety.
5. Incorporate tender, shredded chicken into the simmering soup, letting the meat warm through and meld with the other ingredients.
6. Carefully remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor profile.
7. Brighten the soup with a splash of fresh lemon juice, which will add a subtle citrusy complexity and lift the overall taste.
8. Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and additional fresh herb essence.
9. Serve immediately alongside crusty, rustic bread to complement the hearty and comforting soup.

Notes

• Sauté vegetables gently to release their natural sweetness and prevent burning, which enhances the soup’s overall flavor profile.
• Choose bone-in chicken breasts or thighs for more intense chicken flavor, as they provide richer meat when shredded.
• Keep leftover soup refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days, as rice tends to absorb liquid and become softer over time.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free and use wild rice or quinoa instead of traditional white rice.
• Boost protein by adding a handful of cooked white beans or lentils during the final simmering stage.
• Transform the soup into a creamy variation by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving.
• Elevate nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like diced zucchini, spinach, or kale near the end of cooking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg