Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of Chicken and Rice Soup on a chilly evening or when you need a little pick-me-up. This soup is hearty, nourishing, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect meal for any time of the year. The combination of tender shredded chicken, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked rice creates a dish that’s both simple and satisfying.
Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade soup is rich in flavor, free of preservatives, and fully customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner, need a quick meal-prep option, or want a soothing bowl of goodness when you’re feeling under the weather, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Ingredients
Spices & Seasonings
These seasonings add depth and warmth to the soup:
- 1 tsp dried basil – Provides a slightly sweet and peppery flavor.
- ½ tsp dried parsley – Adds a fresh, earthy touch.
- ½ tsp dried oregano – Gives a mild, aromatic taste with a hint of bitterness.
- ½ tsp dried thyme – Enhances the soup with its subtle, woodsy notes.
- ½ tsp mustard powder – Adds a slight tang and enhances the overall richness.
- ¼ tsp black pepper – Brings a mild heat and balance to the flavors.
For the Soup Base
- 2 tbsp butter – Used for sautéing vegetables, adding richness.
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped – Provides a sweet, savory base flavor.
- ½ cup chopped carrots – Adds natural sweetness and texture.
- 2 celery stalks, diced – Contributes a slight crunch and depth of flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Infuses the soup with a rich, aromatic taste.
- 5 cups chicken broth – The foundation of the soup, giving it a deep, savory flavor.
- 1 tsp soy sauce – Enhances umami and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp hot sauce – Gives the soup a slight kick (optional but recommended).
- 1 ¼ lbs bone-in chicken breast – Adds protein and richness, with the bone infusing extra flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Brightens up the final dish.
For the Rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth – Used to cook the rice for extra flavor.
- ¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or 2 ¼ cups cooked rice) – Provides heartiness and texture.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Soup Base
- In a large pot, heat butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Soup
- Add the spices, soy sauce, hot sauce, chicken, and chicken broth to the pot.
- Bring to a gentle simmer—avoid boiling, as this helps keep the chicken tender.
- Partially cover the pot and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the bones and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
3. Cook the Rice Separately
Cooking the rice separately prevents it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy:
- In a medium pot, bring 1 ½ cups of chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the uncooked rice, stir to coat, and return to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes to allow it to fluff.
4. Assemble and Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
- To serve: Place a scoop of rice in each bowl, then ladle the soup over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy while hot.
Tips for Success
✔ Cooking Tip: Cooking the rice separately keeps it from soaking up too much broth, ensuring the perfect texture.
✔ Rice Variations: You can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even wild rice—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
✔ Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes well! Store soup and rice separately in airtight containers and reheat gently when ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Soup
⭐ Cozy and Comforting: A classic, heartwarming soup perfect for cold days or when you're feeling under the weather.
⭐ Simple and Nostalgic: Easy to make with pantry staples, yet full of rich homemade flavors.
⭐ Flexible & Customizable: Use leftover rice for a quicker meal, swap in your favorite veggies, or adjust spice levels to your liking.
This Chicken and Rice Soup is a meal that warms the soul, satisfies the stomach, and is perfect for meal prep. Whether you're making it fresh or freezing portions for later, this homemade version beats any canned soup with its deep, comforting flavors. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious spoonful!