Cozy Bowl of Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty chicken and rice soup that warms you from the inside out.

Cold days call for nourishing meals packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients.

This classic soup blends tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked rice and aromatic vegetables.

Rich broth swirls with herbs and spices, creating a symphony of comfort in every spoonful.

Seasonal vegetables add depth and nutrition to this simple yet satisfying dish.

Nutritious and easy to prepare, this soup will become your go-to recipe when you need a quick and delicious meal.

Savor each comforting bite and let this soup chase away the chill.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 6

Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup Essentials

• Onion: Provides a sweet, savory base that adds depth to the soup's foundation.
• Garlic: Delivers a punchy, aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Thyme: Introduces an earthy, herbal note that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Oregano: Brings a subtle Mediterranean warmth to the soup's overall taste.
• Turmeric: Adds a golden color and gentle, warming spice to the broth.
• Black Pepper: Offers a mild heat and sharp background note to brighten the soup.
• Salt: Crucial for balancing and intensifying all other flavors in the recipe.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses a subtle, complex herbal essence during cooking.

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Creates a tender, hearty protein that makes the soup filling and satisfying.

• Chicken Broth: Forms the rich, flavorful foundation of the entire soup.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Provides a smooth base for sautéing vegetables and adding richness.

• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty finish that lifts the entire soup's flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Introduces a crisp, clean herb note that provides visual and taste contrast.

• Rice: Brings a comforting, filling element that transforms the soup into a complete meal.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and creates beautiful color in the soup.

Kitchen Tools for Chicken and Rice Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking and simmering the entire soup, provides ample space for ingredients.
• Two Forks: Perfect for shredding cooked chicken into tender pieces.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with herbs and spices.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving hot soup into bowls.

Easy Instructions for Chicken and Rice Soup

• Kick Off the Flavor Base

Warm up olive oil in a hefty pot and toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Let them dance and soften for a few minutes. Sprinkle in garlic and aromatic herbs to create a mouth-watering foundation.

• Unleash the Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the veggie mixture and nestle raw chicken pieces into the liquid. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Let the pot simmer gently, allowing flavors to mingle and chicken to become tender.

• Transform and Combine

Pull out the chicken and shred it into delicate strands. Drop uncooked rice into the broth and let it cook until perfectly soft. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot, creating a harmonious blend.

• Final Flavor Boost

Brighten the soup with a splash of zesty lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot alongside crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Flavor Tips for Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup

• Soup Perfection Secrets: Gentle simmer prevents chicken from becoming tough and maintains tender, juicy meat.
• Meal Prep Magic: Make a big batch and freeze in individual containers for quick weeknight dinners or lunch options.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini for a lower-carbohydrate version that's equally delicious.
• Pro Flavor Boost: Use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought for deeper, richer flavor profile that elevates the entire soup.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all broth and seasoning brands are certified gluten-free, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Serve Chicken and Rice Soup Comfortably

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Pair this soup with a slice of warm, buttered sourdough bread for a heartwarming meal that hugs your soul from the inside out.
• Herbal Freshness Kick: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a bright, green pop of color and fresh herbal notes that elevate the soup's flavor profile.
• Creamy Texture Twist: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving to create a luxurious, creamy texture that adds richness and tanginess to the classic chicken and rice soup.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon bits for an extra protein boost and crunchy texture contrast that makes the soup more satisfying and interesting.

Save & Store Chicken and Rice Soup Like a Pro

• Soup Storage Solutions: Keep Cool and Fresh
• Refrigerator Stash: Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freezer Friendly: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency. Avoid microwave for best texture.
• Portion Perfect: Divide soup into individual meal-sized containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners. Single servings make meal planning effortless and prevent unnecessary waste.

Hearty Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Classic homemade chicken and rice soup brings comfort to chilly evenings with its hearty blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic vegetables. Warm broth and simple ingredients combine to create a nourishing meal you’ll crave on cold days.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup (150 g) uncooked white rice
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Foundation: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened, releasing their aromatic essence and creating a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Spice Infusion: Incorporate garlic, thyme, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper, developing a complex and fragrant layer that will permeate the entire dish.
3. Liquid Landscape: Pour chicken broth into the pot, add raw chicken and bay leaf. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to cook thoroughly.
4. Chicken Preparation: Remove cooked chicken from broth and shred into delicate pieces using two forks, creating a rustic and appealing texture.
5. Rice Integration: Add uncooked rice directly to the simmering broth, letting the grains absorb the rich, layered flavors until perfectly tender.
6. Final Assembly: Reintroduce shredded chicken to the soup, ensuring even distribution. Enhance with a bright splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley for a zesty, herbaceous finish.
7. Flavor Refinement: Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to achieve a perfectly balanced profile. Serve steaming hot, ideally accompanied by crusty bread or crisp crackers.

Notes

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality, fresh chicken and crisp vegetables to enhance the soup’s overall flavor and nutritional value.
• Control Rice Consistency: Add rice near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture that doesn’t become mushy.
• Optimize Chicken Tenderness: Simmer chicken gently to ensure it remains juicy and easily shreds, avoiding tough or dry meat.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb version or use gluten-free broth for sensitive diets.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg