Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Family Favorite

Hearty chicken and rice soup carries memories of cozy evenings and warm kitchen hugs.

Grandma’s classic recipe whispers comfort through each spoonful of deliciousness.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among soft rice grains, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Fragrant herbs dance through this simple yet satisfying meal.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients blend into something magical.

Nutritious and filling, this soup promises to chase away chills and bring smiles.

Warm up your evening with this soul-soothing culinary embrace.

Chicken and Rice Soup Makes Every Family Dinner Better

• Comfort in a Bowl: Discover why this chicken and rice soup is a family favorite.
• Quick Weeknight Rescuer: Whip up a hearty meal in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps.
• Kid-Friendly Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with vegetables, protein, and gentle flavors that appeal to both children and adults, making healthy eating a breeze.
• Adaptable Kitchen Champion: Easily customize with leftover chicken, swap rice types, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and pantry supplies.

Chicken & Rice Soup (Family Style) Ingredients

• Chicken: Protein-rich main component, can use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
• Rice: Hearty grain that adds texture and bulk to the soup, white or brown rice works well.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders, provide depth and aromatic base for the soup.
• Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add nutrition and traditional flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that creates the soup's foundation, low-sodium options recommended.
• Dried Thyme, Rosemary: Herbs that bring earthy and traditional soup flavors.
• Frozen Peas: Quick-cooking vegetable that adds color and gentle sweetness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating initial flavor layer.
• Lemon Juice: Optional bright note that adds freshness to the soup.
• Fresh Parsley: Garnish that provides color and light herbal finish.

Chicken & Rice Soup Family-Favorite Method

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften for 3-4 minutes until they release their delicious fragrance.

Step 2: Build Veggie Foundation

Add diced carrots and celery to the pot.

Stir and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and develop a rich, savory base for the soup.

Step 3: Awaken Herb Magic

Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary into the pot.

Stir and cook for 1 minute to release their aromatic oils and intensify the flavor profile.

Step 4: Create Liquid Comfort

Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add shredded chicken and rice, stirring everything together to create a harmonious blend.

Step 5: Slow Simmer and Develop Flavors

Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes.

This allows the rice to cook completely and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Add Fresh Green Pop

Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

The peas will add a burst of color and sweet freshness to the soup.

Step 7: Perfect the Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

This is your chance to make the soup truly yours.

Step 8: Brighten the Flavor

Optional: Squeeze in a splash of lemon juice to add a zesty brightness that lifts the entire dish.

Step 9: Finish with Fresh Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving.

This adds a final touch of color and fresh herb flavor.

Family Favorite Tips for Chicken and Rice Soup

• Rinse rice before adding to prevent clumping and ensure each grain remains separate and fluffy in the soup.
• Toast herbs briefly in oil before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and enhance overall taste profile.
• Store soup separately from rice to prevent soggy grains, mixing just before serving for optimal texture and freshness.
• Swap chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse dietary preferences.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking to increase nutrient content without compromising soup's delicate balance.

Chicken and Rice Soup Storage Tips

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Carefully transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Chicken & Rice Soup Sides You’ll Love

Savor Complementary Flavor Companions: Perfect Pairings

• Crusty Sourdough Sidekick: Slice warm, artisan sourdough bread to dunk into the soup, absorbing rich broth and adding delightful textural contrast.
• Crisp White Wine Partner: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the soup's hearty warmth, cutting through the chicken's richness.
• Fresh Green Salad Enhancer: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, providing a bright, tangy counterpoint to the comforting soup.
• Herbed Butter Companion: Whip softened butter with fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of garlic salt to spread on bread, elevating the entire dining experience.

Chicken And Rice Soup With Other Cozy Options

• Vegetarian Comfort Soup: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Bowl: Swap traditional rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to create a gluten-free alternative that maintains the soup's hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Protein Soup: Eliminate rice completely and increase chicken and vegetable portions, adding zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for volume.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Style: Incorporate additional Mediterranean herbs like oregano, add a splash of olive oil at serving, and use fresh lemon zest for extra flavor complexity.

FAQs

• Why use both dried thyme and rosemary in this soup?

These herbs add depth and complexity to the soup’s flavor profile. Thyme brings a slightly minty, earthy taste, while rosemary offers a piney, aromatic note that complements the chicken perfectly.

• Can I use different types of rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the rice. White rice works best, but brown rice or wild rice can also be used. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely! The recipe combines protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and essential vitamins from vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas. It’s a complete, wholesome meal that provides balanced nutrition.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

To increase the soup’s heartiness, you can add extra protein like diced cooked beans or increase the amount of chicken. Additionally, serving the soup with a slice of crusty bread can make it more substantial.

Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe (Family Favorite!) Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and rice soup weaves comfort through each spoonful, bringing warmth from grandma’s kitchen to modern tables. Nourishing ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-soothing meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth (or homemade)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a fresh flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Sauté aromatic onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their delicate flavors.
2. Introduce diced carrots and celery to the pot, allowing them to soften and develop a tender texture while infusing the base with robust vegetable essence.
3. Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary into the mixture, gently toasting the herbs to enhance their aromatic profile and create a rich foundational flavor.
4. Stream chicken broth into the vegetable medley, creating a warm, comforting liquid base that will serve as the soup’s primary liquid.
5. Incorporate tender shredded chicken and uncooked rice, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the broth.
6. Reduce heat and cover the pot, allowing the rice to absorb the flavorful liquid and become perfectly tender, while the chicken melds with the surrounding ingredients.
7. Introduce frozen peas during the final cooking stage, providing a burst of vibrant color and sweet, fresh flavor to the soup.
8. Evaluate the seasoning, carefully adjusting salt and pepper to create a balanced and harmonious taste profile.
9. Brighten the soup with a delicate splash of lemon juice, adding a subtle citrus note that cuts through the richness.
10. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, adding a final layer of color and a touch of herbaceous freshness before serving.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the soup.
• For a gluten-free option, replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice, ensuring the same comforting texture.
• Enhance protein content by adding a can of drained white beans or shredding rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
• Prep vegetables in advance and store in the refrigerator to reduce cooking time and make the recipe more weeknight-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg