Heartwarming Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Cozy Days

Warm, hearty bowls of chicken and rice soup have magical healing powers that soothe both body and soul.

Cold days call for this delicious chicken and rice soup that wraps you in culinary comfort.

Every spoonful delivers rich, nourishing flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among soft, perfectly cooked rice grains in a delicate broth.

Fragrant herbs and vegetables add depth and complexity to this classic recipe.

Memories of childhood kitchens and grandmother’s loving care simmer within each steaming bowl.

Grab your pot and ladle – this soup promises to become your new go-to comfort meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

Comforting Chicken and Rice Soup: Ingredients

• Onions: Foundational flavor builder, seek crisp and firm ones with no soft spots.
• Celery: Adds delightful herbal undertones, choose bright green stalks with minimal blemishes.
• Carrots: Brings subtle sweetness and vibrant color, select firm and smooth roots without cracks.

• Garlic: Intense aromatic punch, pick plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
• Dried Parsley: Subtle herbaceous note, ensures consistent flavor distribution.
• Thyme: Earthy and slightly minty essence, adds depth to soup's profile.
• Black Pepper: Provides warm, sharp kick, choose freshly ground for maximum zest.
• Bay Leaves: Imparts rich, complex background flavor, remove before serving.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation creating soup's core, opt for low-sodium for better control.
• Cooked Chicken: Tender protein element, use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Uncooked Rice: Provides hearty texture and body, long-grain varieties work best.
• Kosher Salt: Final seasoning touch, enhances overall taste profile.

Tools That Help Cook Chicken and Rice Soup

• Dutch oven or heavy stockpot: Large, sturdy pot perfect for making soups and stews with even heat distribution.
• Cutting board: Solid surface for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and chicken cutting.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate way to add precise amounts of herbs and seasonings.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure broth and rice correctly.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving hot soup into bowls.

How to Prepare Chicken and Rice Soup Easily

• Vegetable Foundation

Warm butter gently in a large pot, creating a golden base. Sprinkle chopped onions, celery, and carrots into the melted butter. Let them dance and soften, releasing their natural sweetness for about 5-7 minutes.

• Aromatic Enhancement

Lower the heat and invite minced garlic and herbs to join the vegetable party. Stir these flavor companions briefly, allowing their essence to bloom without burning.

• Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pot, welcoming bay leaves to infuse their subtle depth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then introduce uncooked rice. Reduce heat, cover, and let everything simmer peacefully until rice becomes tender and plump.

• Chicken Finale

Remove bay leaves and welcome diced cooked chicken into the warm soup. Season with salt and pepper, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a vibrant finishing touch that adds brightness and aroma.

Tips to Make Soup Extra Creamy and Cozy

• Explore unique twists on this classic chicken and rice soup.
• Replace chicken with shredded turkey, diced ham, or plant-based proteins like tofu for diverse meal options.
• Toss in extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or diced zucchini during the last 5 minutes of cooking to increase nutrient density without compromising soup texture.
• Introduce heat and depth by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce for those craving a zesty kick.
• Prepare the soup in advance and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors will intensify overnight, making each reheated serving even more delicious.

Serving Chicken and Rice Soup for Comfort Days

• Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with warm, toasted slices of French baguette or rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying crunch.
• Create a Comforting Meal: Accompany the soup with a light side salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, warm flavors of the chicken and rice soup.
• Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top just before serving to boost the aromatic profile and add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
• Warm Up with Toppings: Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to create additional depth and creaminess to the soup.

Keeping Chicken Soup Fresh in the Fridge

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The rice will continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to add extra broth when reheating to maintain the soup's original consistency.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Avoid boiling to keep the chicken tender and prevent rice from becoming mushy.
• Portion for Convenience: Divide the soup into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with the date to track freshness and ensure you enjoy the soup at its best quality.

Hearty Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and rice soup promises warmth and nourishment for weary souls. Local ingredients combine perfectly, delivering classic comfort that connects diners with generations of home cooking traditions you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2.5 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup (240 ml) uncooked long-grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 0.5 tsp dried parsley
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme leaves
• 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, then add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Aromatic Layer: Incorporate minced garlic, dried parsley, thyme, and black pepper. Stir briefly to release herb fragrances without burning the garlic.
3. Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, add bay leaves, and bring to a vigorous boil. Introduce uncooked rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness.
4. Protein Integration: Remove bay leaves, then fold diced cooked chicken into the broth and rice, ensuring even distribution and gentle heating.
5. Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels to enhance overall flavor profile. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving the comforting soup.

Notes

• Butter Browning Prevention: Melt butter slowly over medium heat to avoid burning, which can create a bitter taste and ruin the soup’s delicate flavor profile.
• Vegetable Softening Technique: Sauté onions, celery, and carrots until they’re translucent and tender, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a robust flavor foundation.
• Herb Infusion Timing: Add dried herbs and garlic briefly to prevent burning, allowing their essential oils to bloom and intensify the soup’s aromatic qualities.
• Rice Absorption Method: Simmer rice covered to ensure even cooking and perfect tenderness, preventing undercooked or mushy texture that can compromise the soup’s overall quality.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg