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Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe (Family Favorite!)

Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe (Family Favorite!)

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This classic Chicken and Rice Soup features tender chicken pieces, flavorful rice, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a savory broth. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:

    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add Herbs and Broth:

    • Stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Cook the Rice:

    • Once the broth is boiling, add the rice. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook until the rice is tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  4. Add Chicken:

    • Stir in the cooked chicken and let it heat through for about 5 minutes.
  5. Season and Serve:

    • Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Rice Absorption: If you anticipate leftovers, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it to individual servings. This prevents the rice from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy when stored.

  • Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, corn, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the rice has absorbed too much broth upon reheating, add a bit more chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.

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