Soups & Stews

Chicken And Rice Soup

Name: Chicken And Rice Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

By Wren Merriweather · June 19, 2026 · Soups & Stews

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chicken and rice soup to soothe the soul. As a home cook, I've perfected this recipe over the years, and it's become a staple in our household, especially during the colder months. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your family's tastes.

I remember my grandmother used to make a similar soup for me when I was feeling under the weather, and it always seemed to do the trick. Now, I love making it for my own family and watching them enjoy it just as much as I did. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to nurse a cold, this chicken and rice soup is sure to become a favorite.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of high-quality ingredients, like fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. By taking the time to sauté the onions and garlic, you'll create a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with store-bought broth. And, of course, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures that the soup is not only delicious but also tender and easy to eat.

So, if you're looking for a recipe that's both nourishing and delicious, look no further. This chicken and rice soup is a classic for a reason, and I'm excited to share it with you. So, grab a spoon and let's get started!

In this recipe, we'll cover everything you need to know to make a delicious and comforting chicken and rice soup. From the ingredients and equipment to the step-by-step instructions, we'll take it one step at a time. By the end of this article, you'll be a pro at making this soup, and you'll be able to enjoy it with your family and friends all year round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your family's tastes
It's a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for a chilly day
The soup is made with high-quality ingredients, like fresh vegetables and lean protein
It's a great way to use up leftover chicken and rice
The recipe is versatile and can be made with a variety of different ingredients
It's a healthy and nutritious meal option that's low in calories and fat
The soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great chicken and rice soup is in the layers of flavor. By sautéing the onions and garlic, you create a rich, aromatic base that sets the tone for the rest of the soup. Then, by adding in the chicken and cooking it until it's nice and tender, you add a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with store-bought broth.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of high-quality ingredients. Fresh vegetables, like carrots and celery, add a burst of freshness and flavor to the soup, while the chicken provides lean protein to keep you full and satisfied. And, of course, the rice adds a comforting, creamy texture that's perfect for a chilly day.

But what really makes this soup special is the way the flavors all come together. By using a combination of chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and spices, you create a rich, savory flavor that's both comforting and delicious. And, by taking the time to cook the soup slowly, you allow all the flavors to meld together, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great chicken and rice soup, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll want to use high-quality ingredients, like fresh vegetables and lean protein, to create a soup that's both delicious and nutritious. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and spices to create a rich, savory flavor that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this recipe. Be sure to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor and texture.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessBoneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe, as they're tender and easy to cook. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs will give you a more flavorful soup.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is a great choice for sautéing the onions and garlic, as it has a high smoke point and a mild flavor. You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer.
1 onion, dicedA medium-sized onion is the perfect size for this recipe. You can use either a yellow or white onion, depending on your preference.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup. You can use either fresh or jarred garlic, depending on your preference.
2 carrots, peeled and dicedCarrots add a burst of freshness and flavor to the soup, and they're also a great source of vitamins and minerals. You can use either regular or baby carrots, depending on your preference.
2 stalks celery, dicedCelery is another key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a fresh, herbal flavor to the soup. You can use either regular or organic celery, depending on your preference.
1 cup uncooked white riceWhite rice is the best choice for this recipe, as it's tender and easy to cook. You can also use brown rice if you prefer, but it will take longer to cook.
4 cups chicken brothChicken broth is the base of this soup, and it's what gives it its rich, savory flavor. You can use either low-sodium or regular broth, depending on your preference.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoesDiced tomatoes add a burst of flavor and moisture to the soup, and they're also a great source of vitamins and minerals. You can use either regular or organic tomatoes, depending on your preference.
1 teaspoon dried thymeThyme is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup. You can use either fresh or dried thyme, depending on your preference.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is an important ingredient in this recipe, as it enhances the flavor of the other ingredients. You can use either regular or kosher salt, depending on your preference.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is another important ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the soup. You can use either regular or freshly ground pepper, depending on your preference.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot or Dutch ovenSharp knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Chicken And Rice Soup

1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This will help to sauté the onions and garlic and create a rich, aromatic base for the soup.
2
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. This will add a depth of flavor to the soup that's hard to replicate with store-bought broth.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. This will help to bring out the flavor of the garlic and add a rich, savory flavor to the soup.
4
Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and cook until they're tender, about 5-7 minutes. This will add a burst of freshness and flavor to the soup, and it's also a great way to get in some extra vitamins and minerals.
5
Add the chicken to the pot and cook until it's browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This will help to create a tender and flavorful soup that's perfect for a chilly day.
6
Add the uncooked rice to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it's lightly toasted. This will help to bring out the flavor of the rice and add a creamy texture to the soup.
7
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. This will help to create a rich, savory flavor that's perfect for a comforting meal.
8
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. This will help to create a creamy and comforting soup that's perfect for a chilly day.
9
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165 F (74 C) in the thickest part of the thigh. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
10
Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes, until the flavors have melded together and the soup has cooled slightly. This will help to create a rich and satisfying flavor that's perfect for a comforting meal.
11
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, if desired. This will add a fresh and flavorful touch to the soup, and it's also a great way to add some extra nutrients and flavor.
12
Enjoy your delicious and comforting chicken and rice soup, perfect for a chilly day or a special occasion!

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, like fresh vegetables and lean protein, to create a soup that's both delicious and nutritious.
Take the time to sauté the onions and garlic, as this will add a depth of flavor to the soup that's hard to replicate with store-bought broth.
Don't overcook the chicken, as this will make it tough and dry. Instead, cook it until it's browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Use a combination of chicken broth and diced tomatoes to create a rich, savory flavor that's perfect for a comforting meal.
Add the uncooked rice to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it's lightly toasted. This will help to bring out the flavor of the rice and add a creamy texture to the soup.
Let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes, until the flavors have melded together and the soup has cooled slightly. This will help to create a rich and satisfying flavor that's perfect for a comforting meal.
Experiment with different ingredients and spices to create a unique and delicious flavor that's all your own.
Make a big batch of the soup and freeze it for later, as it's a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not taking the time to sauté the onions and garlic, which can result in a soup that's lacking in flavor and depth.
Overcooking the chicken, which can make it tough and dry.
Not using high-quality ingredients, like fresh vegetables and lean protein, which can result in a soup that's not as delicious or nutritious.
Not letting the soup rest for 5-10 minutes, which can result in a flavor that's not as rich and satisfying.
Not using a combination of chicken broth and diced tomatoes, which can result in a soup that's lacking in flavor and depth.
Not adding the uncooked rice to the pot and cooking it for 1-2 minutes, until it's lightly toasted, which can result in a soup that's not as creamy and flavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the pot for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of protein, like shrimp or tofu, to create a unique and delicious flavor.
Experiment with different spices and herbs, like cumin or paprika, to create a unique and delicious flavor.
Add some diced potatoes or sweet potatoes to the pot for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of broth, like beef or vegetable broth, to create a unique and delicious flavor.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, to the pot for extra flavor and nutrients.
Make a creamier soup by adding some heavy cream or coconut milk to the pot.

What to Serve With Chicken And Rice Soup

This chicken and rice soup is perfect for a chilly day or a special occasion. You can serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, if desired. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken and rice, and it's a healthy and nutritious meal option that's low in calories and fat.

Some other ideas for serving this soup include serving it with a side of crusty bread or crackers, or adding some chopped fresh vegetables, like carrots or celery, to the pot for extra flavor and nutrients. You could also serve it with a side salad or a sandwich, for a quick and easy meal.

Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackersAdd some chopped fresh vegetables, like carrots or celery, to the pot for extra flavor and nutrientsServe with a side salad or a sandwich, for a quick and easy mealUse as a base for other soups, like creamy tomato soup or butternut squash soup

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This chicken and rice soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days, or frozen for up to 3-4 months. To freeze the soup, simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it's hot and steaming.

To reheat the soup, simply place it in a pot on the stovetop and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the microwave, by placing it in a microwave-safe bowl and heating it on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until it's hot and steaming.

It's also a good idea to label the container or bag with the date and the contents, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. And, as with any leftover food, make sure to check it for spoilage before eating it, by looking for any signs of mold or an off smell.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy this delicious and comforting chicken and rice soup for days to come, and it's a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe, as they're tender and easy to cook. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs will give you a more flavorful soup.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken for this recipe. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the pot along with the other ingredients.

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

White rice is the best choice for this recipe, as it's tender and easy to cook. You can also use brown rice if you prefer, but it will take longer to cook.

Can I add other ingredients to the soup?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the soup to suit your taste. Some ideas include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or potatoes, or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

How long can I store the soup in the fridge?

The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3-4 months. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it.

How do I reheat the soup?

Is this soup healthy?

Yes, this soup is a healthy and nutritious meal option. It's low in calories and fat, and it's a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

The Full Recipe

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