This cozy Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a tasty broth, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
I love making this soup when the weather gets chilly. It’s super easy, and nothing beats the smell of it simmering on the stove! Just grab a spoon and enjoy! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This oil adds healthy fat and flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute it with canola oil, butter, or avocado oil for a different taste.
Vegetables: The onion, celery, and carrots form a classic flavor base. If you need to change things up, try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is great to control salt levels. You can use homemade broth or even vegetable broth for a lighter version of the soup.
Rice: Long-grain rice works best for this recipe, but feel free to use brown rice or quinoa. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as brown rice will take longer to cook.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. You can also use leftover chicken or even turkey if you have some on hand!
Herbs: Dried thyme and basil bring warmth to the soup. Fresh herbs work too! Just use about three times the amount if you have fresh herbs available.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Flavored Soup?
The key to a great Chicken and Rice Soup is building layers of flavor. Start with sautéing the vegetables in olive oil to caramelize them slightly. This allows a mix of sweet and savory to develop.
- Cook the onion, celery, and carrots until they are soft before adding garlic. Garlic needs just a minute to bloom its flavors.
- Don’t rush adding the broth. Bring it to a boil to infuse everything before adding the rice.
- Remember, simmering is crucial! Keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid mushy rice.
- Finally, taste and season before serving. Adjust with salt and pepper based on your preference!
Chicken and Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This Chicken and Rice Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 30 minutes to cook. So in total, you’ll need around 40 minutes to have a delicious soup ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once warm, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and start to smell amazing. This is the base of your soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for another minute, just until fragrant. This step adds extra flavor to your soup.
3. Add Broth and Boil:
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. You want it bubbling nicely before moving on to the next step.
4. Cook the Rice:
Once boiling, add the rinsed rice along with the dried thyme and basil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 18-20 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb all that delicious broth!
5. Add the Chicken:
After the rice is tender, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken to the pot. Stir it in and let it heat through for about 5 minutes. You want everything nice and warm!
6. Season and Serve:
Lastly, taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting homemade Chicken and Rice Soup!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. You’ll need to add about 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time. Just make sure to adjust the liquid amount if necessary!
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just ensure that any broth or seasonings you use don’t contain dairy products.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave out the rice until you’re ready to reheat, as it can become mushy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as spinach, peas, or corn. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked to your liking!
