Easy Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

When winter’s chill settles in, nothing soothes the soul quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken and rice soup.

This classic comfort dish blends tender chicken, hearty rice, and vibrant vegetables into a nourishing medley that warms you from the inside out.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this recipe, passing down techniques that transform simple ingredients into pure magic.

Fragrant herbs and rich broth mingle together, creating layers of deep, satisfying flavor.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of tradition and the simplicity of home cooking.

Fresh ingredients and a little love are the secret to making this soup truly remarkable.

Dive into this recipe and savor a bowl of pure comfort that feels like a warm embrace.

Why This Chicken and Rice Soup Is Comforting

• Dive into a soul-warming dish that wraps you in cozy goodness, perfect for chilly days or when you need a culinary hug.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this soup a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels, from kitchen newbies to seasoned chefs.
• Packed with protein-rich chicken, hearty vegetables, and filling rice, this soup delivers a balanced meal that nourishes body and spirit.
• Swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, or add extra veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours, creating a personalized comfort food experience.

Chicken and Rice Soup Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base for the soup.
• Carrots, Celery: Fresh vegetables that add sweetness, texture, and nutritional value.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Provide the liquid foundation and allow ingredients to simmer and blend.
• Chicken Stock Powder: Enhances the overall chicken flavor and adds depth to the broth.
• Dried Parsley, Thyme, Bay Leaf, Black Pepper: Aromatic herbs and spices that create a complex and comforting flavor profile.

• Rice: Adds heartiness, absorbs flavors, and makes the soup more filling.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and mild herbal note to the finished soup.

Salt: Final seasoning to balance and enhance all the soup’s flavors.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Rice Soup

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir and cook for about 3 minutes until onions become translucent and release a fragrant aroma.

This initial sauté builds a rich flavor foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Welcome the Vegetables

• Diced carrots
• Chopped celery

Cook for an additional minute.

The vegetables will soften and absorb the delicious flavors from the onions and garlic.

You might notice some tasty brown bits forming at the bottom of the pot – these will contribute extra depth to your soup.

Step 3: Create the Liquid Base

• Chicken stock powder
• Dried parsley
• Thyme
• Bay leaf
• Black pepper
• Chicken broth
• Water

Stir thoroughly, scraping up the flavorful bits from the pot’s bottom.

The broth will start to smell incredible.

Step 4: Introduce the Chicken

Gently place chicken thighs into the broth, ensuring they’re fully submerged.

Cover the pot and simmer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes.

If foam appears on the surface, skim it off to keep the broth clear and clean.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Remove the lid and add rice to the pot.

Stir carefully, then cover and simmer for another 15 minutes.

The rice will absorb the soup’s rich flavors and become wonderfully tender.

If the soup looks too thick, add a splash of water.

Step 6: Prepare the Chicken

Turn off the heat.

Carefully remove chicken thighs from the pot.

Using two forks, shred the meat and discard the bones.

Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir gently.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serving

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Ladle into warm bowls.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade soup!

Tips for Making It Extra Cozy

• Sauté onions and garlic until translucent to build a deep, rich base that elevates the entire soup's taste profile.
• Monitor soup thickness during cooking, adding water if needed to prevent over-reduction and maintain desired texture.
• Skim foam from the broth surface while simmering to ensure a clear, clean-looking soup with a pure flavor.
• Simmer chicken thighs slowly to guarantee maximum moisture and easy shredding, creating melt-in-your-mouth meat pieces.
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable stock and use plant-based protein alternatives to make the recipe vegetarian or gluten-free friendly.

How to Save and Reheat Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality. Label with date and contents.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if soup has thickened. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.
• Defrost overnight in refrigerator. Pour into pot and reheat slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Adjust consistency with additional broth if needed.

What Goes Well With Chicken Rice Soup

• Pair Perfectly with Chicken and Rice Soup
• Crusty Bread Companion: Grab a warm, artisan sourdough or rustic French baguette to dip and soak up the rich, savory broth. The crispy exterior and soft interior create a delightful textural contrast with the tender soup.
• Crisp White Wine Match: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the soup's delicate chicken flavors. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness and cleanses the palate between spoonfuls.
• Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Prepare a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth. Toss in some cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of herbs for a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the comforting soup.
• Herbal Tea Finale: Brew a soothing chamomile or ginger tea to enjoy after the meal. These gentle, warming beverages help digest the hearty soup and provide a calming end to your dining experience.

Tasty Soup Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Chicken Rice Soup: Replace regular rice with quinoa or gluten-free rice for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensures celiac and gluten-intolerant individuals can enjoy this comforting meal.
• Vegetarian Alternative Soup: Swap chicken with firm tofu or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to create a plant-based version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Soup: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content. Perfect for keto dieters or anyone watching their grain intake while preserving the soup's classic texture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Soup: Add a sprinkle of oregano, swap thyme with rosemary, and include chopped spinach. Introduces a fresh, herbaceous profile that transforms the traditional chicken soup experience.

FAQs

• What kind of chicken works best for this soup?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay tender and juicy during cooking, adding rich flavor to the soup. They’re more forgiving than chicken breasts and won’t dry out easily.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your chicken stock powder or bouillon cubes are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• How can I boost the protein content?

Consider adding cooked white beans or lentils alongside the chicken. You can also increase the amount of chicken or use additional protein-rich toppings like a soft-boiled egg.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely! The recipe includes protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and vegetables like carrots and celery, providing a well-rounded meal with essential nutrients and vitamins.

Comforting, Homemade Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and rice soup delivers pure comfort in a bowl, bringing warmth from grandma’s kitchen to your table. Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a nourishing meal that wraps you in delicious memories with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 to 1.5 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Base and Seasonings:

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chicken stock powder or 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor foundation by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, developing a rich aromatic base.
2. Introduce diced carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for an additional minute. Allow vegetables to soften and absorb the initial flavor profile, creating depth in the soup’s foundation.
3. Combine chicken stock powder, dried parsley, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, chicken broth, and water into the pot. Thoroughly mix and scrape any caramelized bits from the bottom, ensuring maximum flavor integration.
4. Submerge chicken thighs completely in the broth. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes, skimming any foam that develops to maintain a clear, clean-tasting liquid.
5. After 30 minutes, incorporate rice into the simmering broth. Cover and continue cooking for 15 minutes, allowing rice to absorb the soup’s rich flavors and become tender. Add water if the consistency becomes too thick.
6. Remove chicken thighs from the pot and carefully shred the meat using two forks, discarding bones. Return shredded chicken to the soup, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
7. Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasoning with salt as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for an extra burst of freshness and color.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for faster cooking and easier shredding, which saves time and simplifies the preparation process.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional value and a slightly nuttier flavor profile that brings extra depth to the soup.
• Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors and give the soup a subtle tangy undertone that elevates the entire dish.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure you use gluten-free chicken stock powder or substitute with homemade stock, and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg