Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and Rice Soup, When the weather cools down, nothing hits the spot like a bowl of Easy Chicken and Rice Soup. It’s simple, nourishing, and cozy the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like home.
Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy rice, this one-pot soup is perfect for quick weeknights, cold days, or when you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl.

What Makes This Chicken and Rice Soup Special

This recipe is the ultimate comfort classic no fancy ingredients, just wholesome goodness. The chicken becomes tender as it simmers, while the rice adds body and warmth.
It’s also endlessly customizable: make it creamy, spicy, or lemony depending on your mood.

Serve it with Air Fryer Frozen Biscuits or a slice of crusty bread for the coziest meal ever.

Chicken and Rice Soup Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• ¾ cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional for color and warmth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: ½ cup heavy cream or lemon juice for a creamy or bright finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Build the Base

In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the raw chicken breasts, rice, Italian seasoning, turmeric, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer so the flavors meld together beautifully. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken and rice are tender.

Step 4: Shred and Finish

Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, then return it to the pot. Stir in parsley and taste for seasoning.
If desired, add heavy cream for extra richness or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls, garnish with more parsley, and serve warm with your favorite side.

Tips, Variations & Why You’ll Love It

• Creamy version: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
• Lemony twist: Add lemon juice and zest for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Use leftovers: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in place of raw chicken.
• Storage: Keeps up to 4 days in the fridge; rice will thicken, so add broth when reheating.
• Freezer tip: Freeze without rice, then add freshly cooked rice before serving.

FAQs

Conclusion

Easy Chicken and Rice Soup is comfort in its purest form hearty, cozy, and nourishing.
Whether you’re fighting a cold or craving a warm meal after a long day, this soup brings comfort straight from your kitchen to your bowl.