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Warm up this fall with a cozy chicken and rice soup that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings.
This hearty chicken and rice soup recipe is a warm, inviting meal for cool autumn and winter nights. Every spoonful presents tender chicken, wholesome rice, and vegetables in a flavorful chicken broth. The best part is how easily it comes together using simple ingredients. Plus, cleanup is easy, as it’s made in one large soup pot.
It’s a great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick homemade dinner. And the aroma of fresh herbs and buttery vegetables fills the kitchen with cozy fall vibes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these fresh ingredients to make your chicken and rice soup recipe a success.
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 4 carrots, thinly sliced
- 10 cups chicken broth or homemade stock (I use Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken)
- 3 chicken breasts, cooked and diced (rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken work well, too)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice for serving
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these simple directions to create the best hearty chicken and rice soup.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pot or dutch oven. Add chopped onion, sliced celery, and sliced carrots. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in chicken broth or homemade stock. Add salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Stir in diced chicken breasts. Simmer for 10 minutes, letting flavors blend together.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cooked rice and fresh parsley. Simmer just until everything is heated through.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls to serve. If desired, squeeze in a little lemon juice or lime juice to brighten the flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Rice Soup
Here are helpful tips to ensure your soup turns out perfect every time.
- Use a large soup pot or dutch oven to keep everything evenly heated.
- If your soup thickens too much, add additional broth or chicken stock until you reach the desired consistency.
- Minute rice works for a quick shortcut, though long grain or jasmine rice adds better texture. Instant (Minute) rice can become mushy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- To freeze, cool the soup completely and place it in a freezer-safe airtight container.
Ingredient Variations
This hearty chicken and rice soup recipe is versatile and forgiving.
- Replace chicken breasts with skinless chicken thighs for richer flavor.
- Use brown rice or wild rice for a nutty taste and more fiber.
- Swap butter for olive oil for a slightly lighter soup.
- Stir in extra fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for deeper fall flavor.
Serving Ideas
This chicken soup is a great way to feed a hungry family on a crisp evening.
- Pair with warm dinner rolls or homemade cornbread.
- Add a fresh green salad dressed with homemade ranch dressing.
- Serve with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese for a rich finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and still have tender chicken in your soup. Just shred the meat and add it when the recipe calls for cooked chicken.
- What kind of rice is best? White rice, jasmine rice, long grain, brown rice, or wild rice all work well. Jasmine rice gives a soft texture, while wild rice adds a little more texture. I do NOT suggest using instant rice (i.e., Minute rice) as it can become mushy, especially when reheating leftovers.
- Can I add garlic cloves? Absolutely! Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots and add the minced garlic cloves a minute or so before adding the broth.
- How do I keep the rice from getting mushy? Add cooked rice just before serving. If storing leftovers, keep cooked rice in a separate pot and mix when reheating.
- How do I thicken or thin the soup? If you prefer thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce the broth. For thinner soup, add additional broth or chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.
- Can I freeze chicken and rice soup? Yes! Cool the soup completely and store in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Can I use leftover chicken? Leftover chicken is perfect for this recipe. It’s a great way to repurpose cooked chicken while keeping the soup tender and flavorful. Rotisserie chicken also works great in this recipe and saves time.
- What if I want more vegetables? Add cubes of butternut squash, diced potatoes, or fresh herbs for extra color and nutrition. You can even toss in fresh spinach or kale near the end of cooking.
Why This Soup is Perfect for Fall
- This hearty chicken and rice soup recipe is perfect when leaves begin to turn and evenings cool down.
- The aroma of fresh parsley, chicken broth, and buttery vegetables makes any kitchen feel warm and homey.
- Each bowl of this rice soup delivers the comfort of chicken stew but with a lighter, fresher taste.
- It’s easy to make on a busy weeknight and elegant enough for a weekend gathering.
- Made in one pot, it’s a quick and easy meal that’s even easier to clean up.
Easy Storage and Reheating
- To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
- For longer storage, freeze it in portions for quick lunches or dinners. When reheating, warm the soup on medium heat in a separate pot.
- If it thickens, add a little additional broth or water.
Wrapping Up
This best hearty chicken and rice soup recipe delivers everything a cozy fall meal should. Tender chicken, cooked rice, and flavorful vegetables create a comforting dish that’s simple to prepare.
Whether you choose white rice, wild rice, or jasmine rice, the result is always delicious. It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken, make homemade stock shine, or warm up a chilly day.
Print the recipe card, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the best part of fall in every spoonful.
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The Best Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe (Easy!)
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pot or dutch oven. Add chopped onion, sliced celery, and sliced carrots. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in chicken broth or homemade stock. Add salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Stir in diced chicken breasts. Simmer for 10 minutes, letting flavors blend together.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cooked rice and fresh parsley. Simmer just until everything is heated through.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls to serve. If desired, squeeze in a little lemon juice or lime juice to brighten the flavor.
Great Recipe!