Chicken and Rice Soup is a warm, soothing dish that serves as a perfect one-pot meal for any time of day. This easy homemade soup brings together juicy chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and rice, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It's an excellent choice for both lunch and dinner, offering a nutritious blend of protein from the chicken and fiber from the veggies.
Jump to:
This Chicken and Rice Soup is especially comforting and perfect for those days when you're not feeling your best. It's also very flexible to suit your tastes—add more vegetables or swap in brown or white rice to meet your dietary preferences. Whether you're craving a hearty meal in the chilly winter months or a lighter option for summer, this soup is both satisfying and delicious.
Save this recipe?
We'll email you the post link so you can come back later!
I agree to receive emails
Discover More Rice Dishes:
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make Chicken and Rice Soup, gather these ingredients, which you can easily find at most grocery stores:
- Chicken Breast: The main protein source that brings a savory flavor to the soup. For convenience, you can use leftover roasted, baked, or rotisserie chicken.
- Basmati Rice: Acts as a comforting base, soaking up the flavors of the other ingredients. You can substitute it with white, brown, or jasmine rice to suit your preference.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth and complexity to the soup.
- Carrots and Celery: Provide sweetness and earthiness, contributing both texture and nutrients.
- Chili Sauce and Soy Sauce: These add a spicy and salty dimension, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
- Dried Oregano and Fresh Parsley: Infuse the soup with subtle, fresh herbal notes.
- Oil: Necessary for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, adding richness to the soup's flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Serves as the soup’s liquid base, providing comforting taste and additional nutrients.
- Black Pepper: Offers a mild heat that complements the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup at Home?
Let's turn these ingredients into a comforting bowl of Chicken and Rice Soup with this straightforward recipe. Below are the step-by-step instructions, complete with photos and a video to help you through each stage of the cooking process. Let's get started:
Discover More Comforting Soup Recipes:
- Chicken Soup
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Chicken Ramen
- Hot and Sour Soup
- White Chicken Chili
- Tom Kha Gai Soup
- Turkey Chili
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
Making Chicken and Rice Soup
- In a pan over medium heat, warm the oil. Add bay leaves, onion, and garlic. Sauté until they become aromatic, which releases their flavors into the oil.
- Add celery and carrots. Season with salt and continue sautéing until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in chili sauce and oregano. Add the chicken breast, mixing well to ensure it’s thoroughly coated with the seasonings for optimal flavor absorption.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the rice and soy sauce. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, which will kickstart the rice cooking process and allow the flavors to meld quickly.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes, letting the rice absorb the flavors and the broth to reduce slightly for a richer taste.
- Remove the chicken breast, shred it using a fork, and set aside. This technique ensures the chicken is tender and easy to eat. Continue simmering the soup until the rice is fully cooked, checking for a soft but not mushy texture.
- Return the shredded chicken to the soup, stirring gently to distribute evenly. Keep in mind that Basmati rice typically cooks in 15 minutes, but adjusting the cooking time may be necessary if using other rice types like brown or jasmine.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add black pepper for extra heat if desired, enhancing the soup's warmth. Since chicken broth often contains salt, add additional salt cautiously to avoid oversalting.
- Finish with a garnish of fresh parsley leaves, adding a splash of color and a hint of freshness. Stir the soup gently before removing it from the heat to mix in the flavors from the garnish.
Serving
- Enjoy this comforting Chicken and Rice Soup on its own or pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying lunch or dinner. For more pairing ideas, explore our serving suggestions section below.
Save this recipe?
We'll email you the post link so you can come back later!
I agree to receive emails
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Chicken Choices: Cooking chicken with the rice in the broth deepens the flavor. If you're short on time, consider using pre-cooked options like leftover roasted, baked, or rotisserie chicken.
- Rice Cooking Method: For a convenient one-pot meal, cook the rice directly in the soup. If you plan to batch cook or freeze, cook the rice separately to prevent it from becoming too mushy by absorbing excess broth, which can impact taste and texture.
- Rice Varieties: While this recipe uses long-grain basmati rice, it's versatile enough to accommodate your preferred type, such as white, brown, or jasmine rice. Be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice you use.
- Salt Consideration: Since chicken broth can be salty, always taste your soup before adding extra salt. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your preferences. Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or peas can be great additions to the soup.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking for more? Check out our collection of cozy chicken soup recipes, heartwarming comfort food, and authentic rice-based dishes, each designed to offer comfort and satisfy your cravings with international flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and Rice Soup is a fulfilling dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides for a more complete meal. Here are some of my favorite sides to complement the dish:
- Bread: A crusty loaf or some warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any remaining broth.
- Salad: Complement your soup with a light green salad or some roasted vegetables to add a fresh, nutritious twist.
- Grilled Cheese: For an extra dose of comfort, serve a classic grilled cheese sandwich alongside your soup.
- Crackers: Introduce a crunchy element with a side of crackers or croutons to enhance the soup's texture and flavor.
- Pita Bread: Serve with warm, toasted pita bread for an alternative to traditional rolls, perfect for dipping and scooping.
- Spicy Oil or Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a kick, a drizzle of spicy oil like chili oil or a few drops of hot sauce can elevate the soup's flavor profile.
Storage Suggestions
Chicken and Rice Soup is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored for later use. To keep it, refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the soup and rice separately to maintain their texture and flavor.
The soup will last about a month in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, then mix in the cooked rice for a hearty meal.
Leave a Review