Quick & Comfy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Chicken and rice soup emerges as a soul-warming culinary embrace during chilly seasons or when wellness feels fragile.

Generations have treasured this classic dish for its nurturing qualities and straightforward preparation.

Tender poultry melds seamlessly with soft grains, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that instantly soothes tired spirits.

Nutritious ingredients combine to produce a healing elixir that speaks directly to our primal need for comfort and restoration.

Subtle herbs and carefully selected seasonings elevate this simple soup from basic sustenance to a remarkable experience of culinary care.

Rich broth carries delicate pieces of protein and starch, enhanceing each spoonful into a moment of pure, restorative bliss.

Craft this timeless recipe for those cherished moments when you crave something deeply satisfying and genuinely nourishing.

Why Chicken and Rice Soup Feels So Comforting

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This soup wraps you in a warm, nourishing embrace with its rich blend of tender chicken, soft rice, and perfectly cooked vegetables that create a soul-soothing meal perfect for chilly days.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: The recipe offers a simple, straightforward method that takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Customizable Flavor Profile: Versatile ingredients allow for easy modifications, letting you adjust spices, swap chicken types, or add extra vegetables to suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs without compromising the soup's comforting essence.
• Nutrient-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from colorful vegetables, and wholesome rice, this soup delivers a balanced meal that feels incredibly satisfying and supports overall wellness in every single spoonful.

What’s in a Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Chicken Broth: Rich liquid base that provides deep flavor and warmth to the soup.
• Bay Leaves: Aromatic herb that adds subtle earthy and herbal notes to the broth.

• Onions, Celery, Carrots: Classic soup mirepoix that creates a flavor foundation with sweet and savory depth.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides intense, robust flavor to the soup.

• Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
• Uncooked Rice: Grain that adds texture and helps thicken the soup while cooking.

• Dried Parsley, Thyme: Dried herbs that enhance overall soup flavor with mild, fresh undertones.
• Black Pepper: Spice that adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates all other flavors.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables smoothly.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Thyme: Optional herbs that add bright color and fresh flavor to the finished soup.

Simmer a Comforting Chicken and Rice Soup

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Select a large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot. Place it on medium heat and melt butter until it coats the bottom of the pan smoothly.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Blend

• Chopped onions
• Chopped celery
• Chopped carrots

Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Minced garlic
• Dried parsley
• Dried thyme
• Black pepper

Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning and allow flavors to combine.

Step 4: Build Soup Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot and add bay leaves. Increase heat to bring mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in uncooked rice. Reduce heat, cover pot, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice becomes tender.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove pot from heat and discard bay leaves. Fold in diced cooked chicken. Season with kosher salt and additional black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a vibrant presentation.

Soup Tips for Rich Texture and Flavor

• Dice Veggies Uniformly: Cut onions, celery, and carrots into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Bloom Spices Carefully: Toasting garlic and dried herbs briefly in butter releases their essential oils, creating a deeper, more robust flavor profile.
• Choose Quality Rice: Select long-grain white rice for the best texture, as it maintains its shape and doesn't become mushy during simmering.
• Use Leftover Chicken Smartly: Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken works perfectly, saving time and adding extra flavor to the soup.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Chop parsley or thyme just before adding to preserve their bright, aromatic qualities and provide a fresh finish to the comforting soup.

Reheating and Storing Chicken and Rice Soup

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Reheating: Warm the soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick, helping restore its original consistency. Stir carefully to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Freezing: Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Pro tip: Consider freezing without rice and add fresh rice when reheating to maintain the best texture and prevent mushy grains.

What Pairs Well with Chicken and Rice Soup

• Warm Up with Crusty Bread Pairing: Grab a rustic sourdough or hearty whole wheat bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth and add delightful texture to each spoonful.
• Crisp White Wine Companion: Uncork a light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the soup's delicate chicken and herb notes, cutting through the warmth with its refreshing acidity.
• Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Toss together a simple mixed greens salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette to provide a crisp, tangy contrast to the comforting, creamy soup.
• Herbal Tea Finale: Brew a soothing chamomile or mint tea to round out the meal, helping to digest the hearty soup and leaving a clean, refreshing palate.

Chicken and Rice Soup Add-Ins to Explore

• Zesty Southwestern Soup: Replace thyme with cumin and add diced green chiles. Stir in black beans and corn kernels for a Mexican-inspired version. Top with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Soup: Swap dried herbs with fresh rosemary and oregano. Include diced tomatoes and a handful of spinach leaves. Finish with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Ginger-Turmeric Healing Soup: Incorporate freshly grated ginger and ground turmeric during the vegetable sautéing stage. Add chopped kale for extra nutrition. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and a dash of white pepper.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Soup: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with the vegetables. Stir in a splash of heavy cream near the end of cooking. Garnish with chopped chives and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Comforting Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and rice soup embraces classic comfort with tender chicken, wholesome rice, and savory herbs simmered in rich broth. Warm spoonfuls transport you to grandma’s kitchen, promising nourishment and pure culinary happiness.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2.5 cups diced cooked chicken
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves

Seasonings and Grains:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
• 0.5 teaspoon dried parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

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Instructions

1. Gently melt butter in a spacious Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat, creating a smooth base for sautéing vegetables.
2. Introduce chopped onions, celery, and carrots to the melted butter, stirring occasionally and allowing them to soften and develop a tender texture for 5-7 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to low and carefully fold in minced garlic, dried parsley, thyme, and freshly ground black pepper, creating an aromatic foundation for the soup.
4. Carefully stir the spices for one minute, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn and allowing the herbs to release their delicate flavors.
5. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture and add bay leaves, then increase heat to bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
6. Introduce uncooked rice to the boiling broth, then immediately reduce heat, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes until the rice becomes perfectly tender.
7. Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaves, creating a clean base for the final touches.
8. Gently fold diced cooked chicken into the broth and rice, ensuring even distribution throughout the soup.
9. Season the soup with kosher salt and additional black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves, adding a vibrant touch of color and a burst of fresh herbal flavor before serving.

Notes

• This heartwarming soup transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal perfect for chilly days or when comfort is needed.
• Sautéing vegetables in butter creates a rich flavor foundation that elevates the entire soup’s taste profile and aromatic complexity.
• Toasting spices briefly before adding liquid intensifies their essence, allowing herbs like parsley and thyme to release maximum flavor potential.
• Cooking rice directly in the broth helps absorb delicious chicken stock, ensuring each grain is infused with savory goodness.
• Using pre-cooked chicken streamlines preparation and makes this recipe an excellent way to repurpose leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken.
• Finishing with fresh herbs not only adds visual appeal but also introduces a bright, fresh layer of flavor that cuts through the soup’s richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 273 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg