Chicken and Rice Soup (Classic Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe – Easy Cozy Dinner)

This Chicken and Rice Soup recipe is warm, comforting, and filled with tender chicken, fluffy rice, carrots, celery, and herbs simmered in a flavorful broth. This classic homemade chicken and rice soup is simple, nourishing, and perfect for chilly evenings or easy weeknight dinners. If you enjoy cozy soups like Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Pot Pie Soup, or Chicken Wild Rice Soup, this comforting chicken and rice soup recipe is another classic bowl of homemade comfort.  If you love easy and cozy soups, explore the Soups & Stews collection.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Soup

• Classic homemade chicken and rice soup with simple ingredients

• Light, cozy broth that’s comforting and nourishing

• Perfect for cold weather, meal prep, or when you need an easy dinner

• A great alternative to chicken noodle soup

• Easy one-pot recipe ready in about 40 minutes

Recipe Card

Servings: 6 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320

• Protein: 26 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fat: 10 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 3 g

Ingredients

Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 L)

• 1 cup uncooked white rice

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley

• ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional but brightens flavor)

Optional garnish

• chopped fresh parsley

• cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened.

2. Add Garlic: Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Broth and Rice: Pour in chicken broth and stir in the rice, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender.

5. Add Chicken: Stir in shredded chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.

6. Finish the Soup: Stir in lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.

7. Serve: Ladle the chicken and rice soup into bowls and garnish with parsley and cracked pepper.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken to make the soup faster.

• Swap white rice for brown rice (increase cook time slightly).

• Add spinach or kale near the end for extra greens.

• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the broth.

• For extra flavor, simmer the soup with a bay leaf.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This chicken and rice soup stores very well.

• Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (rice may soften slightly).

• Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if the rice absorbs liquid.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes. Brown rice works well, but will need about 35–40 minutes to cook.

Can I make chicken and rice soup with raw chicken? Yes. Add diced chicken breast or thighs when adding the broth and simmer until fully cooked.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy? Cook the rice just until tender and avoid over-simmering.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes. Add everything except the cooked chicken and simmer on low for 6 hours, then add the shredded chicken at the end.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Rice Soup is one of the most comforting homemade soups you can make. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory broth creates a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for cold weather or cozy weeknight dinners.

If you enjoy comforting soups like Lasagna soup, Beef Barley Soup, or Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, this classic chicken and rice soup recipe is another warm and nourishing bowl to add to your collection.