The aroma of Easy Chicken & Rice Soup wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day, promising comfort in every spoonful. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a rich broth, accompanied by fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables, all harmonizing into a symphony of deliciousness that dances on your taste buds. hearty meatball and spaghetti soup.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use leftover chicken for this Easy Chicken & Rice Soup?
- What vegetables can I add to this Easy Chicken & Rice Soup?
- How do I make this soup gluten-free?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful soup is not just food; it’s nostalgia in a bowl. As a child, I remember my mother whipping up her version of chicken soup when we were under the weather or just needed a pick-me-up. It was the kind of meal that made everything feel right in the world, bringing our family together around the kitchen table. quick zucchini soup recipe Now, it’s my turn to share this tradition with you. Whether you’re sick, celebrating life’s little moments, or simply craving something delicious, this Easy Chicken & Rice Soup delivers!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy Chicken & Rice Soup is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Its flavor profile is rich and comforting, perfect for any occasion
- Visually appealing with colorful veggies and tender chicken pieces, it warms both body and soul
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand!
I remember one time when I made this soup for a friend who was feeling under the weather; her smile after one sip was priceless.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts will do; adjust based on your appetite or number of guests.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; choose firm ones for the best texture.
- Celery: Celery brings an aromatic crunch; look for bright green stalks without blemishes.
- Onion: A yellow onion works beautifully here; it adds depth and sweetness as it cooks.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for depth of flavor; avoid pre-minced options if possible.
- Chicken Broth: Use homemade or store-bought; low-sodium versions allow you to control the saltiness better.
For the seasonings:
- Dried Thyme: This herb complements chicken perfectly; use fresh if available for an extra kick.
- Bay Leaves: A couple of these leaves infuse wonderful earthy notes into your soup; remember to remove them before serving.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Cooked Rice: You can use white or brown rice; just ensure it’s cooked before adding to the soup.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your vegetables: dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. This step sets you up for success as everything cooks evenly.
Sauté Your Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes is perfect.
Add Your Veggies: Stir in the carrots and celery now. Allow them to soften and mingle with the onions for about 3-4 minutes while enjoying their vibrant colors.
Brown the Chicken: Push your veggies to one side of the pot. Add in your chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned but not cooked through.
Pour in Broth: Carefully pour in your chicken broth along with bay leaves and thyme. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low and simmering gently for 20-25 minutes.
Add Rice & Season: Remove chicken breasts once fully cooked (internal temp should be 165°F/74°C). Shred them using two forks before returning them back into the pot along with cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Now sit back as you enjoy the enticing aroma filling your kitchen—your Easy Chicken & Rice Soup is ready! buffalo chicken sliders. cheddar corn chowder.
This delightful dish allows you to create memories while savoring each bite filled with comfort and warmth. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home!
You Must Know
- This Easy Chicken & Rice Soup recipe is comforting and simple
- It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand
- The aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist a taste before it’s even ready
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken. Cook it thoroughly before adding rice and broth for a harmonious blend of flavors.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different vegetables like carrots or peas, or add spices like thyme or dill to elevate the soup’s flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance flavor, use homemade stock instead of water
- Avoid overcooking the rice; it should be tender but not mushy
- Adding lemon juice at the end brightens the entire dish beautifully
Every time I make this Easy Chicken & Rice Soup, my kids devour it! One time, my daughter declared it was “better than pizza”—that’s high praise coming from her. For more inspiration, check out this No Bake Butterscotch Pie recipe.
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this Easy Chicken & Rice Soup?
Yes, leftover chicken works wonderfully and saves you cooking time.
What vegetables can I add to this Easy Chicken & Rice Soup?
You can include carrots, celery, spinach, or any veggies you love!
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Substitute regular rice with gluten-free grains like quinoa or brown rice for a delicious twist.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Print
Easy Chicken & Rice Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Easy Chicken & Rice Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables in a rich, savory broth. This comforting soup is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a little pick-me-up. Quick to prepare and full of nostalgic flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy each spoonful as it warms both body and soul!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by dicing the onion, slicing the carrots and celery, and mincing the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add the diced carrots and celery; cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Push veggies aside; add chicken breasts to the pot and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Pour in chicken broth along with thyme and bay leaves; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove chicken once fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F). Shred with two forks and return to pot with cooked rice.
- Season with salt and pepper; stir well before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg






