Let’s talk comfort food. What’s better than a bowl of soup to soothe your soul?What is chicken rice soup recipe?Isn’t soup just a bowl? Think of it as the cozier, less fussy cousin of Chicken Noodle Soup. Is it the kind of dish that instantly transports me back to my childhood, watching my grandma stir a spoon? What is the smell of a giant pot on the stove? If you’re looking for something simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious, you have absolutely come to the right place. Where is the right place? Is it perfect for a chilly evening? And trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again!
What is chicken rice soup?
Chicken Rice Soup, at its heart, is a comforting, brothy soup featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and often, a medley of vegetables. It’s essentially chicken noodle soup, but with rice taking center stage instead of noodles. It’s a dish that’s found in many cultures, each with its own twist. This recipe is my family’s version, a classic that has been passed down through generations. Think of it as pure, unadulterated comfort in liquid form. It’s easy to customize, too – you can add different veggies, herbs, or even a splash of cream for extra richness. The possibilities are truly endless! For me, it’s more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? There are so many reasons why this is so?What is the best chicken rice soup recipe? is a winner! First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of savory chicken broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice is just divine. The vegetables add a touch of sweetness and freshness that really brightens up the whole dish.
What I love most about this is how ridiculously easy it is to make. Seriously, anyone can make this! It requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want a healthy and delicious meal on the table in under an hour.
Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Chicken and rice are both relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd. And let’s not forget its versatility! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Use bone-in chicken for a richer flavor, add different vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, or stir in a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. It’s your soup, make it your own! This recipe also holds a special place in my heart because it’s a family favorite. My kids ask for it all the time, especially when they’re feeling under the weather. It’s the Ultimate Comfort Food that brings everyone together. If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and budget-friendly soup that the whole family will love, look no further!
How do I make chicken rice soup?
Quick Overview
What makes this comforting?Chicken Rice soup recipe. is incredibly straightforward. First, you’ll simmer chicken with aromatic vegetables to create a flavorful broth. Then, you’ll shred the chicken and add it back to the pot along with rice and any additional vegetables you desire. Finally, you’ll simmer everything until the rice is cooked through and the flavors have melded together beautifully. It’s really that simple! The beauty of this method is that it allows you to build deep flavor without a ton of fuss.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth: What is the recipe?
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks. (bone in adds SO much flavor!)
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium, store-bought or homemade): 1 cup (in a jar)
- 1 large onion, chopped.
- 2 carrots, chopped.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme per 1 cup.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary. 1 teaspoon dill.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Soup:
- 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed (I always use short grain, but medium grain works too!)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen peas, corn, carrots work great): 1 tsp.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Simmer the Chicken
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken, chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. I always make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to be safe.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks, discarding the skin and bones. What is my favorite part of chicken?
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Discard excess fat from the surface of the broth. Add the rinsed rice to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender. Is it cooked through I always rinse my rice before adding it to soup. It helps to remove excess starch and prevents soup from becoming too thick.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Vegetables
Add the shredded chicken and mixed vegetables to the pot. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through. I often add a little extra broth at this point if the soup seems too thick. Can you add any other veggies you like?
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired. What’s the best way to brighten up a lemon?
What should I serve it with?
This What is the best chicken rice soup recipe?Is a complete meal in itself?For a light lunch:What is a good salad to serve with this soup? The lightness of the salad balances the richness and spiciness of soup beautifully.For a hearty dinner:Serve with a crusty loaf of bread or some warm biscuits for dipping. What’s better than a piece of bread and some broth?What is a good cozy snack?What is a good grilled cheese sandwich with chicken rice soup? What is the Ultimate Comfort Food?For a Potluck: Serve with a platter of crackers, cheese, and fruit. This adds some variety and caters to different tastes.
My family loves to enjoy this soup with a side of cornbread. The sweetness of the cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the soup. It’s a tradition that we’ve carried on for years, and it always brings a smile to everyone’s face. You can also add a few croutons on top.
How do I make chicken rice soup?
Want to take your chicken rice soup recipe to the next level? Here are some of my top tips for achieving soup perfection:
Bone-In Chicken is Key: Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks will result in a much richer and more flavorful broth. The bones release collagen, which adds body and depth to the soup. I’ve tried it with boneless chicken breasts before, and it just doesn’t compare.
Don’t Overcook the Rice: Overcooked rice will turn mushy and make your soup thick and gloppy. Rinse the rice before adding it to the pot to remove excess starch, and cook it just until it’s tender. I learned this lesson the hard way after making several batches of overly starchy soup!
Sauté the Vegetables: Before adding the chicken broth, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil or butter. This will help to develop their flavor and add another layer of complexity to the soup.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary will elevate the flavor of your soup. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but be sure to use less (about 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe).
Add a Touch of Acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar will brighten up the flavors of the soup and add a touch of zing.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season your soup with salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup, such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Sometimes I add a little bit of frozen spinach at the end.
Make it Creamy: For a richer and creamier soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end.
I’ve found that letting the soup sit for a few hours (or even overnight) allows the flavors to meld together even more. So, if you have time, make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This chicken rice soup recipe is perfect for meal prepping and leftovers!
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavor will actually improve as it sits!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for easy reheating. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the containers tightly with plastic wrap before freezing. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Glaze Timing Advice: When you reheat the soup, you may need to add a little extra broth or water to thin it out, as the rice will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. I usually add a splash of broth when reheating.
To reheat, simply microwave the soup for 2-3 minutes, or heat it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This chicken rice soup recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a cold day. It’s a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its incredible flavor, simple ingredients, and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. If you enjoyed this soup, be sure to check out my other soup recipes for more comforting and delicious meals! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them! Happy cooking!
