Get ready to enjoy a comforting chicken and rice soup for a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in a jiff. Tender chicken, healthy vegetables, and soft rice that soaks up all the flavor from the chicken broth are the ideal combination. Savory, brothy goodness guaranteed to warm your soul and fill your belly.
Being a responsible adult also means putting on your big girl pants even when you’re sick. But I remember how comforting soup was every time we kids felt under the weather. Just one bowlful took all the ouchies away.
Now that I’m all grown up with a kid of my own, this meaty, juicy chicken with tender vegetables and rice, all swimming in an intensely flavored chicken broth, still makes my day better. And when the love of my life needs chicken soup for the soul, this recipe is definitely on the menu.
Why Chicken Soup Is Comfort Food
Nearly every country has a chicken and rice soup recipe. Why? Because it’s super easy, healing, comforting, and delicious. With a handful of pantry staples, you can turn chicken into a steaming hot comfort food that makes even the worst day 100 times better.
It’s hot, salty, hydrating, and aromatic. Just holding a bowl in your hands on a chilly day is enough to make anyone feel better. Plus, it’s easy on the stomach for someone recuperating from an illness, and it brings back beautiful childhood memories. What’s not to love?
How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup
- Season the chicken, sear it, add the aromatics, and sauté.
- Add the broth and rice, and simmer until done. Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy.
Tips and Tricks
- Chopping veggies ahead is an incredible time-saver. I clean, chop, and store them in the fridge for meal prep.
- For a low-carb keto version, leave the rice out and load up on more veggies.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Prepping the ingredients ahead, then dumping them in the pot to simmer until tender is a great shortcut.
You can also make a big batch a day or two in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. And if you leave the rice out, it freezes wonderfully. Then add cooked rice before heating and serving.
Leftovers last in the fridge for 4-5 days. FYI, you can freeze the soup, but the rice will get mushy. For a freezer-friendly soup, cook it without the rice so that doesn’t happen. Then add fresh cooked rice when heating it up.
What to Serve With Chicken and Rice Soup
This one-bowl meal is super satisfying with homemade garlic bread and a Caesar or tossed salad. Roasted vegetables are also a great pairing. Yes, a package of saltines or oyster crackers is almost a must.
More Incredible Homemade Soup Recipes to Try
Watch How to Make It
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This blog post was originally published in September 2019 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.