This Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is rich in flavor and nourishing to the soul. The addition of rice helps to make this dish a complete meal, while the fresh parsley and dill give it a burst of color and flavor. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Cuisine This chicken and rice soup is inspired by classic comfort food, with roots in American and European cuisine, where soups with chicken and vegetables are common. This particular recipe adds fresh herbs like dill and parsley to give it a flavorful twist.
Full List of Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- 2 chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- Olive oil (for drizzling and cooking)
- 1 ½ tablespoons complete seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon better than bouillon base (or chicken bouillon)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 6 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup rice (adjust depending on preference)
- Additional fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prep the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts in the middle to make them thinner and drizzle with olive oil. Rub the oil in to coat the chicken evenly.
- Season the chicken with 1 ½ tablespoons of complete seasoning on both sides, ensuring it’s well-coated.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil into the pan.
- Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point, just get some color).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Prepare the Soup Base:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
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Add Seasonings and Broth:
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of better than bouillon base and mix well.
- Add the thyme, parsley, and dill. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to release the flavors.
- Pour in 6 ½ cups of chicken broth and add the chicken back into the pot. Season with additional salt, pepper, and a bay leaf.
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Simmer and Cook the Chicken:
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to cook the chicken thoroughly and infuse the flavors into the broth.
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Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks or your hands to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
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Cook the Rice:
- Add ⅓ cup of rice to the pot, or more depending on how much broth you want. Cover and let the soup simmer for another 20 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and the flavors to meld together.
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Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe Chicken and rice soups are staple comfort foods in many cultures, loved for their simplicity, heartiness, and ability to nourish and satisfy. This particular version combines a variety of fresh vegetables and seasonings to elevate the classic, making it a flavorful and healthy meal option.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting: This soup is the perfect bowl of comfort, with tender chicken, soft rice, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, this soup is both nourishing and filling.
- Customizable: You can adjust the vegetables or seasonings to suit your tastes. Add more garlic, a splash of lemon juice, or even some heat with chili flakes if you prefer.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly and requires only one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Health Benefits
- High in Protein: The chicken provides a good amount of protein, essential for muscle building and immune health.
- Rich in Vitamins: The carrots, celery, and herbs like parsley and dill offer essential vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.
- Great for Digestion: The combination of broth, vegetables, and rice creates a soothing, easy-to-digest meal that is gentle on the stomach.
- Low in Calories: This soup is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve this soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a light salad for a well-rounded meal. Try a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing contrast.
- Topped with Cheese: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Use Homemade or Quality Broth: For the best flavor, use homemade chicken broth or a high-quality store-bought variety.
- Rice Variations: You can substitute the rice with other grains like quinoa or barley for a different texture and flavor.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, spinach, or corn to the soup for more variety and nutrition.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk after the rice is cooked.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding more hearty vegetables like potatoes or beans for protein.
Conclusion This Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and loaded with healthy ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or looking for a nourishing meal, this soup is sure to satisfy. The tender chicken, flavorful broth, and creamy rice come together in a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat.
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Can I freeze this soup? Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
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Can I add other vegetables? Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, corn, or spinach to increase the nutritional content and flavor of the soup.
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Can I use leftover chicken? Yes, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken. Just skip the step of cooking the chicken and add the shredded chicken directly into the broth.
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Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can add tofu or beans for protein.
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Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe? Yes, you can cook this soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
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Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, if you’re using frozen chicken, you can add it directly to the pot with the broth and cook it through before shredding.
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Can I make this soup spicier? Yes, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or fresh diced chilies to the soup for a spicy kick.
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Can I use a different grain instead of rice? Yes, you can use barley, quinoa, or even small pasta instead of rice for a different texture.
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Can I serve this soup with cheese? Yes, a sprinkle of grated cheese like Parmesan or cheddar is a great addition to this soup.