Chicken and Rice Soup is the definition of simple, nourishing comfort food. It’s warm, soothing, and dependable—the kind of soup that has been made in home kitchens for generations whenever someone needed a little extra care. With tender chicken, soft rice, and gently simmered vegetables, this soup is filling without being heavy and comforting without being complicated.
Whether you’re serving it on a cold evening, during a busy week, or when you want something familiar and calming, Chicken and Rice Soup always delivers.
Yield and Timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time is 10 minutes, with 30–35 minutes of cooking time.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
- Optional: 1 bay leaf
Preparation
In a large pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Stir in the rice, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf if using. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Add the cooked chicken and simmer for another 5–7 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors have blended. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken and Rice Soup hot, with crusty bread, crackers, or warm rolls on the side. A squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can brighten the flavor, but the soup is just as comforting served plain.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice will continue to absorb liquid, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the soup.
Why This Soup Never Fails
Chicken and Rice Soup is steady, reliable comfort in a bowl. It’s easy to make, gentle on the stomach, and deeply satisfying. No matter the season or situation, this classic soup has a way of making everything feel just a little bit better.
Enjoy !!!!
