Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Chicken and Rice Soup is everything you’re craving when you want a bowlful of comfort: cozy, nourishing, and absolutely satisfying. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of aromatic veggies swim in a savory, well-seasoned broth—delivering the kind of homemade warmth that’s always better than takeout and definitely better than anything from a can.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a laundry list of groceries to make a soul-satisfying Chicken and Rice Soup. Each ingredient is chosen for flavor, texture, and that irresistible home-cooked aroma—so don’t skip the basics, as they’re key to a truly craveable bowl!

• Bone-in Chicken Breast (or Thighs): Using bone-in cuts gives your broth that homemade richness and deeper chicken flavor—boneless works in a pinch!
• Long Grain White Rice: Fluffy, separate grains are pure comfort; cooking separately keeps them perfectly tender (never gummy or bloated).
• Chicken Broth: The backbone of your soup—choose a good-quality broth for that layered, savory base.
• Onion, Carrots, & Celery: This classic trifecta (aka mirepoix) adds natural sweetness, color, and body to every spoonful.
• Fresh Garlic: Just a few cloves make a world of difference—don’t be shy!
• Butter: For sautéeing and extra silkiness in the broth.
• Soy Sauce & Hot Sauce: These secret ingredients add subtle depth and a gentle lift—trust me, you won’t taste them, but you’ll miss them if they’re gone!
• Dried Basil, Parsley, Oregano, Thyme, Mustard Powder, Pepper: Each herb and spice layers in cozy flavor notes—think herby, savory, and just a hint of warmth.
• Fresh Parsley: For that final pop of bright, fresh flavor at the end.

Variations

This Chicken and Rice Soup is wildly adaptable—swapping in your favorite add-ins or working around dietary preferences is not only easy, it keeps dinner extra exciting. Don’t be afraid to play around and give it your own personal twist!

• Swap the Protein: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken for a super speedy version—just add it in once the broth is simmering so it absorbs all the goodness.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk at the very end for a lush, decadent soup experience.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in diced zucchini, chopped kale, baby spinach, or corn for bursts of color, texture, and even more nutrition.
• Go Gluten-Free: Stick with long grain rice, or swap in brown rice or wild rice—just adjust liquid and cook time as needed.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or garnish with chili oil for those who like a little extra heat.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery and let them cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften and the kitchen smells amazing. Add the minced garlic and sauté just a minute more—the garlic should be fragrant but not browned.

Step 2: Build the Broth & Simmer the Chicken

Sprinkle in all your herbs and spices (basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, mustard powder, and pepper), then pour in the soy sauce, hot sauce, chicken broth, and nestle in the chicken breast. Bring everything to a gentle simmer (not a wild boil)—cover partially, and let the chicken poach slowly for 15 to 20 minutes until it’s cooked through and supremely tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, lift it out of the pot and set it on a plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat (discarding the bones), then return that juicy chicken back into your bubbling soup. Give everything a stir and let the flavors mingle while you cook your rice.

Step 4: Cook the Rice Separately

While the chicken simmers, add 1 ½ cups chicken broth to a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add your uncooked rice, stir, then cover tightly and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, then turn off the heat but keep the lid on for an extra 10 minutes—this makes the rice perfectly fluffy and separates any stuck bits from the bottom. (Check your rice package if using another variety!)

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Taste the soup and season with extra salt if you’d like. To serve, spoon some rice into each bowl, then ladle hot chicken soup overtop. Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley—savor the aroma, then dig in!

How to Serve Chicken and Rice Soup

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a shower of fresh chopped parsley over a steaming bowl of Chicken and Rice Soup to lift the flavors and make things look extra-special. For bonus crunch and fun, toss on some Ranch Oyster Crackers or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. A crack of black pepper is never out of place either!

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal, but serving it with thick slices of crusty bread or a flaky homemade biscuit transforms it into pure weeknight magic. If you’re feeling fancy, pair with a simple green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette for a totally restaurant-worthy dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle Chicken and Rice Soup into warmed soup mugs for casual, fireside coziness or serve in wide, shallow bowls for rustic elegance. Top with a swirl of cream, a handful of microgreens, or nestle each bowl with a lemon wedge for a modern touch—no one can resist a cozy soup bar at a get-together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let both the soup and rice cool to room temperature, then store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them apart ensures your rice won’t get over-soaked, and your Chicken and Rice Soup stays as perfect on day two as it was fresh off the stove.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze the rice separately to prevent mushiness. Both will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for cozy, stress-free meals whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra broth if needed. Warm the rice separately, then combine them just before serving for perfect texture and flavor—just like day one!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Rice Soup is true cold-weather comfort—and honestly, it’s a year-round favorite at my table. Give it a try and see just how easy it is to bring a little homemade warmth to your kitchen. I can’t wait to hear how your family personalizes every bowl!

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