Chicken and Rice Soup is a healthy and hearty classic one-pot meal that is loaded with nutrition. This flavorful soup is typically made with tender chicken breast, vegetables, aromatics, and basic seasonings. Homemade Chicken Rice Soup is one of the best soup recipes that are perfect for both lunch and dinner. Also, it is a great comfort food when you're under the weather.
In this recipe, I'll show you how to make Chicken and Rice Soup at home with easy step-by-step instructions. I have also included a detailed video to make the cooking process simple and clear.
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What is Chicken and Rice Soup?
Chicken and Rice Soup is healthy and classic comfort food. It is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that is easy to make and satisfying to eat. The soup is made by simmering chicken and rice in a flavorful broth, along with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. This homemade Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect lunch or dinner option and it can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
The taste profile of the soup is warm with a savory broth, tender chicken, and soft grains of rice. In addition to its delicious taste, Chicken, and Rice Soup is also a nutritious meal option. It also has protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables, making it a filling and healthy dinner.
It is also versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs or preferences. For instance, adding more vegetables or using brown rice instead of white. It is also a great option when you're feeling under the weather, as it can help soothe a sore throat and clear congestion. Overall, it is a perfect comfort food that is healthy, easy to make, and can be enjoyed year-round.
Overall, Chicken Rice Soup is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that is easy to make from scratch. Whether you're feeling under the weather or just want a warm and cozy meal, Chicken and Rice Soup is a perfect choice.
Ingredients and Substitutions
The ingredients you will need to make a delicious Chicken and Rice Soup are quite basic and can be easily found in most grocery stores. So let's see what are they below.
- Chicken Breast: The protein in the soup, also adds a rich and savory flavor. You can also use leftover roasted chicken, baked chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breast to save time
- Basmati Rice: Provides a filling and comforting base for the soup, and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients. You can also use other types of rice such as white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice based on your preference
- Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that add depth and complexity to the soup.
- Carrots and Celery: Vegetables that add a sweet and earthy flavor as well as texture and nutrition
- Chili Sauce and Soy Sauce: Adds a spicy and salty flavor, giving it a bit of a kick
- Dried Oregano and Fresh Parsley: Herbs that add a subtle and fresh flavor to the soup
- Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and chicken, and adds richness to the soup.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base of the soup provides a savory and comforting flavor, as well as adds nutrition.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of heat to the soup, and complements the other flavors.
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Chicken and Rice Soup, the ultimate comfort food loaded with fiber and protein. It is one of the best soups that are sure to impress your family and loved ones.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Saute the aromatics - Begin by heating up a bit of oil in a pan set over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in some bay leaves, diced onion, and minced garlic. Let the aromatics sauté until they become fragrant
- Soften the Veggies - Next, stir in celery and carrots, and season the mixture with a bit of salt. Sauté until the vegetables become tender and soft
- Add sauce and herb - At this point, you can add in some chili sauce and dried oregano, mixing everything together well
- Add rice and chicken -Then, add in some chicken breast that's been thinly sliced, and stir everything together. After that, pour in some chicken broth and rice, and bring the mixture to a boil
- Simmer the soup - Once the soup reaches a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. Let the chicken and rice cook
- Shred the chicken - Take out the chicken breasts and shred them using a fork and let the soup continue to simmer. This will help the rice cook while you work on the chicken breast.
- Add the chicken -Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and mix everything together gently. If you're using long-grain basmati rice, it should cook in about 15 minutes. But if you're using another type of rice, you may need to let the soup simmer accordingly
- Season and garnish - Once the soup is cooked to your liking, taste it and add a bit more salt if necessary. You can also add some black pepper to give it a bit of heat if you like. Finally, garnish your soup with some fresh parsley leaves, and give it one last gentle stir before taking it off the heat
Tips
- For the best flavor - It's always recommended to use chicken broth or stock when making chicken and rice soup. This will result in a flavor-loaded soup that is sure to please
- Chicken - When it comes to the chicken, cooking it with the rice in the broth will give the soup a delicious flavor profile. However, if you're short on time, you can also use leftover roasted chicken, baked chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken
- Rice - When it comes to rice, I have chosen to cook it along with the chicken to make a complete one-pot meal. However, if you're planning to make a large batch and freeze it, it may be better to cook the rice and soup separately. This method can help avoid the rice from soaking up all the broth, which can affect the overall taste and texture of the soup.
- What rice to use - Regarding which rice to use, I have used long-grain basmati rice in this recipe. However, feel free to use whatever type of rice you prefer, such as white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to your rice preference.
- Salt - Finally, it's important to note that chicken broth typically contains enough salt, so be mindful when adding additional salt to the soup. Taste the soup before adding any salt and adjust accordingly
Storage Suggestions
Chicken and Rice Soup is a wonderful make-ahead meal that can last for several days in the fridge or even longer in the freezer. If you plan on refrigerating the soup, simply store it in an airtight container for up to two days. However, if you plan on freezing the soup, it's best to cook the rice and soup separately to prevent the rice from absorbing all the broth. When stored this way, the soup can last up to a month in the freezer.
To enjoy the soup after freezing, thaw it to room temperature and heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. Don't forget to add some cooked rice to the soup for a hearty and filling meal.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and Rice Soup is a hearty and filling dish that can be served on its own as a complete meal. You can also pair it with some complementary sides to make a more complete meal. Here are some suggestions for sides that would pair well with Chicken and Rice Soup:
- Bread: A nice crusty bread or some warm dinner rolls are always a great option to serve alongside soup. It's a great way to soak up any remaining broth and add some additional texture to your meal
- Salad: A simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables can add some fresh flavors and extra nutrition to your meal
- Grilled Cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with the soup
- Crackers: A small side of crackers or croutons can be a great addition to your soup, providing a nice crunch and additional flavor
Related Recipes
You can also find similar comfort food recipes below and more at soup, chicken, and rice recipes.
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chicken Ramen
- Hot and Sour Soup
- White Chicken Chili
- Vegetarian Chili
- Turkey Chili
- Vegetable Soup
- Chicken and Rice (One Pot)
- Baked Chicken and Rice
Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Chicken and Rice Soup below, which I hope will assist you in creating a comforting meal at home. You can also find this recipe in story format.
📖 Recipe
Chicken and Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, skinless and boneless
- 2 tsp Oil
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Onion, diced
- 2 tbsp Garlic, finely chopped
- 1 Carrot, diced
- 2 ribs Celery , diced
- ½ tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Chili Sauce
- ¾ cup Rice, long grain, I have used basmati here
- 6 cups Chicken Broth, reduced sodium
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder, or adjust according to your heat level
- Salt, to taste
- Parsley Leaves, to garnish
Instructions
To make Chicken and Rice Soup
- Start by heating oil in a pan over medium heat. Add bay leaves, onion, and garlic, and sauté until they release their aromatic flavors
- Then, add celery, carrots, and season with salt, sautéing until the vegetables are soft
- Add chili sauce and oregano, and mix well. Add the chicken breast and continue to mix until coated in the sauce
- Next, pour in 6 cups of chicken broth rice and soy sauce, and bring the mixture to a boil
- Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients
- Remove the chicken breast from the soup and shred it using a fork. Let the soup continue to simmer as the rice finishes cooking
- Return the shredded chicken to the soup, stirring it in gently. If using long-grain basmati rice, it should be cooked in 15 minutes, but other rice types may require additional cooking time
- Taste the soup and season with salt if needed. Add black pepper for a bit of heat, if desired (Note that chicken broth typically contains enough salt, so it's important to be mindful when adding additional salt to the soup)
- Finish the dish by garnishing with parsley leaves, and gently mixing the soup one final time before removing it from the heat
To Serve
- This comforting Chicken and Rice Soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite sides for a satisfying lunch or dinner
Video
Notes
- For the best flavor - It's always recommended to use chicken broth or stock when making chicken and rice soup. This will result in a flavor-loaded soup that is sure to please
- Chicken - When it comes to the chicken, cooking it with the rice in the broth will give the soup a delicious flavor profile. However, if you're short on time, you can also use leftover roasted chicken, baked chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken
- Rice - When it comes to rice, I have chosen to cook it along with the chicken to make a complete one-pot meal. However, if you're planning to make a large batch and freeze it, it may be better to cook the rice and soup separately. This method can help avoid the rice from soaking up all the broth, which can affect the overall taste and texture of the soup.
- What rice to use - Regarding which rice to use, I have used long-grain basmati rice in this recipe. However, feel free to use whatever type of rice you prefer, such as white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to your rice preference.
- Salt - Finally, it's important to note that chicken broth typically contains enough salt, so be mindful when adding additional salt to the soup. Taste the soup before adding any salt and adjust accordingly
Nutrition
FAQ
Chicken and Rice Soup is a classic comfort food that is both healthy and hearty. It is typically made with chicken breast, vegetables, aromatic herbs, basic seasonings, and rice. This soup is a filling meal on its own and can be perfect for lunch or dinner, especially on a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather.
Here I have cooked the rice in the broth which infuses a nice flavor to the soup. However, the rice can be cooked separately and added to the broth later. Cooking the rice separately can help control the texture of the rice while cooking it directly in the broth can infuse the rice with additional flavor.
The best type of rice for soup depends on the recipe and personal preference. Common options include white long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine rice. You can also use brown rice and Arborio rice. White rice is versatile, brown rice is nutritious, and Arborio rice can help thicken the soup.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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