Homemade Chicken Rice Soup: A Comforting 35-Minute Meal for Every Season

Easy Homemade Chicken Rice Soup: Comfort in a Bowl

There’s nothing quite as soothing as a steaming bowl of chicken rice soup on a chilly day. This nourishing, homemade soup combines tender chunks of chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables in a savory broth that warms you from the inside out. Best of all, it comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something wholesome and satisfying.

Why This Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe Works

This soup strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. The combination of chicken and rice creates a hearty texture while still keeping the dish light and comforting. It’s:

• Quick to prepare – ready in just over 30 minutes
• Nutrient-dense – packed with protein and vegetables
• Budget-friendly – uses simple, affordable ingredients
• Versatile – easily customizable with seasonal vegetables
• Family-approved – a crowd-pleaser for all ages

Key Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Rice Soup

The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Here’s what you’ll need to create this cozy bowl of goodness:

• 10 cups chicken broth (homemade preferred, but low-sodium store-bought works well)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to Make the Best Chicken Rice Soup From Scratch

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious pot of homemade chicken and rice soup that tastes like it simmered all day:

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf, dried thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add diced chicken breast pieces to the pot and reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, until chicken is nearly cooked through.
5. Stir in the uncooked rice. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, until both rice and chicken are fully cooked and tender.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Remove bay leaf before serving.
8. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Tips for the Ultimate Chicken and Rice Soup

Take your soup to the next level with these helpful suggestions:

• Rotisserie chicken shortcut: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. Add it near the end of cooking, just long enough to warm through.
• Rice varieties: While long-grain white rice works beautifully, brown rice adds extra nutrition and a nutty flavor (note: increase cooking time by 15-20 minutes).
• Make-ahead strategy: If planning to make ahead, consider cooking and storing rice separately to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.
• Freezing tip: This soup freezes wonderfully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations on Classic Chicken Rice Soup

One of the wonderful things about chicken rice soup is its adaptability. Try these delicious variations:

Lemon Chicken Rice Soup

Add the juice of one lemon and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest during the last few minutes of cooking. Finish with extra lemon slices and fresh dill for a bright, Greek-inspired avgolemono-style soup.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Substitute a wild rice blend for white rice and add 1 cup of half-and-half or coconut milk in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.

Spicy Southwest Chicken Rice Soup

Add 1 diced jalapeño, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and a can of drained black beans. Top with diced avocado, tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Information

This hearty chicken rice soup isn’t just delicious—it’s nutritious too! Each serving contains:

• Calories: 167 kcal
• Protein: 16 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fat: 3 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 998 mg

FAQs About Homemade Chicken Rice Soup

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Simply add cooked, shredded chicken during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, just long enough to heat through.

My soup got too thick. How can I fix it?

Rice continues to absorb liquid even after cooking. If your soup becomes too thick, simply add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients except rice to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add rice during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking time.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free chicken broth, this soup is naturally gluten-free.

When you’re craving something warm and nourishing, nothing beats a homemade chicken rice soup. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this classic comfort food delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes