Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

My grandma’s secret homemade chicken and rice soup recipe brings comfort during chilly evenings.

She learned this hearty blend from her mother in rural Wisconsin.

Warm, nourishing ingredients merge into a delectable bowl of pure satisfaction.

Fragrant herbs dance through rich broth, creating layers of incredible flavor.

Tender chicken pieces nestle alongside soft rice grains, promising a soul-warming experience.

Simple yet magical, this soup connects generations through its delicious simplicity.

Ladle up a bowl and let nostalgia wrap you in culinary warmth.

What Makes Chicken and Rice Soup So Comforting

• This chicken and rice soup recipe demands minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for novice cooks who want a delicious, comforting meal without complicated techniques.
• Ready in under 45 minutes, this one-pot wonder provides a fast, nutritious meal that saves time and reduces cleanup for busy families and professionals.
• Packed with tender chicken, soft rice, and mild vegetables, the soup appeals to all ages, offering a hearty, satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
• Home cooks can easily customize the recipe by swapping chicken types, using different herbs, or adding extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need for This Simple Homemade Soup

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle, fresh background note to the soup.
• Garlic: Brings a robust and pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Main protein source, creating a hearty and satisfying soup. Choose fresh, boneless cuts for easy shredding.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that provides deep, rich chicken flavor. Low-sodium options work well for better seasoning control.

• Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors in the soup.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and subtle spiciness.
• Thyme: Delivers an earthy, slightly minty herb note.
• Oregano: Introduces a slightly bitter and warm herbal taste.
• Turmeric: Provides a warm, slightly peppery flavor and golden color.
• Bay Leaf: Imparts a subtle, complex background flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps cut through the richness.

• Rice: Gives the soup substance and makes it more filling. White or brown rice works well.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, green finishing touch.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding richness.

How to Simmer Chicken and Rice Just Right

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Base

• olive oil or butter
• onion
• carrots
• celery

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped vegetables and cook until they soften and release their sweet, earthy flavors. Sprinkle in garlic and warm spices, letting them dance and become wonderfully fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Soup Foundation

• chicken broth
• chicken breasts or thighs
• bay leaf

Pour chicken broth into the pot. Gently lower whole chicken pieces into the liquid. Let everything bubble and simmer quietly, allowing the chicken to cook completely and infuse the broth with rich, savory goodness.

Step 3: Transform the Chicken

Remove chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks, creating tender, bite-sized pieces. Slide rice into the simmering broth and let it cook until perfectly soft and plump.

Step 4: Add Final Flourishes

• lemon juice
• fresh parsley

Return shredded chicken to the pot. Squeeze in bright lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Give everything a gentle stir and taste, adjusting seasonings to your preference.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Pair with warm crusty bread or crispy crackers for a truly heartwarming meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Pro Tips for Depth and Tender Ingredients

• Boost Vegetable Flavor: Sauté vegetables in butter for a richer, deeper taste that enhances the soup's overall depth.
• Perfect Chicken Tenderness: Simmer chicken gently to ensure it stays moist and easily shreds without becoming tough or dry.
• Rice Cooking Hack: Add rice towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy and maintain a perfect al dente texture.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian, or use gluten-free rice for a gluten-sensitive diet.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Add a handful of fresh herbs like dill or chives just before serving to brighten the soup's flavor and add a fresh, aromatic touch.

How to Keep This Soup Fresh for Days

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing rice-based soups, as rice can become mushy when thawed.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Always check that reheated soup reaches 165°F to eliminate any potential bacteria and ensure food safety.

What Goes with Chicken and Rice Soup

• Select a bright, light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the soup's richness and complements its herbal notes.
• Serve warm, crusty sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the flavorful broth and add delightful texture contrast.
• Create a tangy green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate and balance the soup's warm, comforting profile.
• Brew a soothing chamomile or ginger tea to enhance digestion and provide a gentle, warming conclusion to the meal.

Different Takes on This Classic Chicken Soup

• Gluten-Free Chicken and Rice Soup: Replace traditional rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the recipe gluten-free and reduce carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or white beans for a plant-based protein alternative while maintaining similar texture and nutritional value.
• Instant Pot Version: Adapt the recipe for pressure cooking by combining all ingredients simultaneously and cooking on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, reducing overall preparation time.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce added salt, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and additional thyme to create a heart-healthy version of the classic soup.

Common Questions About Chicken Rice Soup

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but increase the cooking time to 30-35 minutes since brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid.

• Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! If using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain its tender texture.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Add more vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach, use low-sodium chicken broth, and choose skinless chicken breast for a leaner protein option.

• Can I freeze this chicken and rice soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Homemade Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

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

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Description

Heartwarming chicken and rice soup brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic herbs. Nourishing ingredients combine to create a soul-soothing bowl that wraps warm wellness around you.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced

Liquid, Grains, and Seasonings:

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup uncooked white rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a spacious pot, warm olive oil and gently transform onions, carrots, and celery into a tender, aromatic foundation. Allow vegetables to soften and release their subtle essence.
2. Introduce garlic and spices – thyme, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper – creating a fragrant layer of complexity that will infuse the entire soup with depth.
3. Cascade chicken broth into the pot, nestling raw chicken and bay leaf into the liquid landscape. Elevate heat until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
4. Allow the chicken to cook thoroughly, transforming from raw to tender, absorbing the harmonious blend of herbs and vegetables. This process typically requires 20-25 minutes of patient simmering.
5. Extract the cooked chicken from its broth bath and deconstruct it into delicate, bite-sized shreds using two forks, creating a rustic texture.
6. Introduce uncooked rice directly into the simmering broth, letting the grains absorb the rich, layered flavors. Continue cooking until rice achieves a perfect tender consistency.
7. Reunite the shredded chicken with the soup, stirring to ensure an even distribution of protein throughout the liquid.
8. Brighten the soup’s profile with a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, adding a final layer of zesty, herbaceous notes.
9. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to achieve a balanced, satisfying flavor profile. Serve piping hot, accompanied by crusty bread or crisp crackers.

Notes

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of the soup, using plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas.
• Reduce cooking time for rice to maintain a firmer texture, preventing mushy consistency by adding rice later in the simmering process.
• Use brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional value and a nutty flavor profile, which increases fiber and protein content.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting turmeric and black pepper, or adding red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost that elevates the overall taste experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg