Cozy Soothing Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket when this hearty chicken and rice soup enters the kitchen.

Fragrant herbs blend with tender chicken pieces swimming through a velvety broth.

Generations have cherished this classic soup for its simplicity and depth of flavor.

Each spoonful carries memories of gentle care and nourishment.

The recipe speaks directly to anyone seeking a soulful meal that restores and comforts.

Packed with protein and warmth, this soup transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every comforting bite of this timeless classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 4

Healing Chicken Rice Soup: Ingredients You Need

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for sautéing and building deep flavor profiles.
• Garlic: Adds robust, warming undertones with potent immune-boosting properties.
• Ginger: Brings zesty, warming notes and supports digestive health with natural anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Shallot: Delivers delicate, sweet complexity and enhances overall aromatic foundation.

• Chicken Thighs: Offers tender, juicy meat with higher fat content for richer soup texture.
• Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and packs powerful nutritional punch with iron and vitamins.
• Turmeric: Provides golden color and powerful anti-inflammatory healing properties.

• Chicken Broth: Creates comforting liquid base with rich, savory depth.
• Rice: Adds satisfying texture and helps thicken soup while providing gentle carbohydrate energy.
• Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Contributes umami depth and complex saltiness.

• Lime Juice: Brightens entire dish with fresh, tangy acidity.
• Fresh Herbs: Adds vibrant, aromatic freshness and visual appeal.
• Peanuts: Provides delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces optional warming heat and complexity.

Gear for Making Healing Chicken Rice Soup

• Large pot: Essential for sauteing, cooking chicken, and preparing the entire soup.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for chopping garlic, ginger, shallots, and shredding chicken.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add salt, turmeric, and other seasonings.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving soup into individual bowls.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Rice Soup

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat a large pot and awaken the aromatics with olive oil. Toss in minced garlic, ginger, and shallot, letting them dance and release their magical fragrance until they soften beautifully.

• Transform the Chicken

Nestle chicken thighs into the pot, sprinkle with salt and turmeric. Sear each side to create a golden crust, then cover and cook until tender. Once done, shred the meat into cozy, bite-sized pieces.

• Welcome the Greens

Gently fold spinach into the same pot, letting it wilt and mingle with the existing flavors. The greens will add a vibrant touch of nutrition and color.

• Rice Magic

Pour rice into the pot, stirring to coat with the remaining spices. Add broth and let everything simmer together, creating a harmonious blend. Cook until the rice becomes perfectly tender and plump.

• Final Symphony

Reunite the shredded chicken and wilted spinach in the pot. Brighten the soup with a splash of lime juice. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning to make it sing.

• Serve with Love

Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts. For extra zing, add more lime or a pinch of chili flakes.

Healing Soup Tips + Add-In Options

• Easy Tricks to Elevate Your Dish
• Choose bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat. Dark meat provides deeper, more robust taste compared to bland chicken breasts.
• Enhance soup's depth by using homemade chicken stock or adding a parmesan rind during simmering for extra umami complexity.
• Make this soup gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. For vegetarian option, swap chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain texture.
• Experiment with alternative herbs like Thai basil or cilantro. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat. For a creamy version, stir in coconut milk during final minutes of cooking.

How to Serve Chicken & Rice Soup Comfortably

• Fresh Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle a vibrant mix of chopped cilantro, mint, and green onions on top to add brightness and aromatic freshness that elevates the soup's flavor profile.
• Crunchy Texture Boost: Scatter toasted chopped peanuts or crispy fried shallots over the soup to introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft rice and tender chicken.
• Spice Level Customization: Offer small dishes of chili oil, sriracha, or red pepper flakes on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat intensity according to their personal preference.
• Comforting Side Pairing: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or homemade garlic toast to soak up the flavorful broth and create a complete, satisfying meal experience.

Chicken Rice Soup Storage and Planning

• Store this soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 35 days. The flavors will meld and intensify, making each subsequent serving even more delicious.
• Portion the soup into individual freezer-safe containers. These meals will stay fresh for up to 3 months, providing convenient, ready-to-heat options during busy weeks.
• Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of fresh broth to restore moisture and prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
• If possible, store rice and chicken separately from broth to maintain optimal texture. Mix components just before reheating to keep each ingredient's distinct flavor and consistency.

Soothing Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Grandma’s healing chicken and rice soup delivers comfort straight from her kitchen to your soul. Packed with nourishing ingredients and warmth, this recipe wraps you in care with each spoonful of pure, wholesome goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 6–8 cups chicken broth (adjust to desired consistency)
• 3–4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced or grated
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ tsps salt, divided
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• Juice of 4 limes (about ¼ cup)
• Splash of soy sauce or fish sauce (optional)
• Fresh herbs for garnish: cilantro, mint, or basil
• Chopped peanuts for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Infusion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Introduce minced garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped shallot, allowing them to dance and release their fragrant essence until softened and translucent.
2. Chicken Transformation: Nestle chicken thighs into the aromatic base, dusting with salt and turmeric. Sear each side to develop a golden crust, then cover and simmer until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Extract and delicately shred the meat, reserving it for later reunion.
3. Green Vitality: Wilt spinach in the same pot, seasoning with a whisper of salt until it surrenders its vibrant color and transforms into a tender garnish.
4. Rice Immersion: Coat rice with residual oil and spices, then flood with broth. Allow the grains to simmer and absorb flavors, becoming tender and plump over 15-20 minutes.
5. Harmonious Fusion: Reintroduce shredded chicken and wilted spinach to the pot. Enliven the mixture with a splash of lime juice, optional soy or fish sauce, and adjust seasoning to create a perfectly balanced profile.
6. Presentation: Ladle the soup into waiting bowls, crowning with fresh herbs, chopped peanuts, and optional chili flakes for an extra spark of excitement.

Notes

• Sear chicken thighs at medium heat to lock in moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring juicy and perfectly cooked meat.
• Adjust turmeric and salt gradually, tasting as you go to create a harmonious flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate soup.
• Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color, aroma, and maximum nutritional benefits.
• Watch rice carefully during cooking, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and achieve a soft, perfectly cooked consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 70mg