Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup: A Hearty Comfort Recipe

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of chicken and rice soup. Imagine cozying up with this warm, hearty dish filled with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables dancing in a fragrant broth. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, with flavors that swirl together to create a delightful experience for your taste buds.

This chicken and rice soup has been my go-to comfort food since I can remember. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or the flu season knocking at the door, this soup fills my home with warmth and love. It’s perfect for family gatherings or simply when you need a little pick-me-up after a long day. Trust me; once you dive into this bowl of goodness, you’ll be planning your next soup date.

I remember the first time I made this chicken and rice soup for my family; their delighted faces were priceless as they slurped down every last drop.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Around 3-4 breasts work perfectly; adjust based on how hungry everyone is.

• Fresh Garlic: Use firm garlic cloves for that extra zing that lifts the entire soup.

• Onion: A medium onion will add sweetness and depth; chop it finely for even cooking.

• Carrots: Slice two medium carrots for color and natural sweetness in each bite.

• Celery: Two stalks give crunchiness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Long-Grain White Rice: About one cup of rice makes the soup hearty without overwhelming it.

• Chicken Broth: Use homemade if possible; otherwise, low-sodium store-bought works great!

• Dried Thyme: This herb adds an earthy aroma; use about one teaspoon for optimal flavor.

• Bay Leaf: Just one bay leaf infuses the broth with an irresistible fragrance.

• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, but be careful with salt if using store-bought broth!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by dicing your onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Gather all your ingredients together to ensure an organized cooking process.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add some olive oil. Once hot, toss in the onion, celery, and carrots until they soften—about five minutes—and let those aromas fill your kitchen!

Add Chicken: Nestle the chicken breasts into your pot along with minced garlic. Sauté everything together for another minute until fragrant before proceeding.

Pour in Broth: Carefully pour in about six cups of chicken broth while scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot. Add thyme and bay leaf; let everything simmer together beautifully.

Add Rice: Once boiling gently, stir in one cup of rice. Reduce heat to low and cover tightly—allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.

Finish Up: Remove cooked chicken breasts from the pot; shred them using two forks before returning them to their cozy broth home. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste!

Now you have a comforting bowl of chicken and rice soup ready to serve. Enjoy every spoonful of warmth as you curl up on your couch or share this delightful meal with loved ones around the dinner table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken to sear before adding broth and rice. This sequence enhances flavor and ensures even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like carrots or peas for added nutrition. Experiment with spices such as thyme or rosemary to elevate the taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store chicken and rice soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Making this soup reminds me of chilly winters when my mom would whip up a big pot, filling the house with an irresistible aroma that made everyone gather around the table.

FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken for chicken and rice soup?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a quicker meal.

How can I thicken my chicken and rice soup?

To thicken, you can add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water during cooking.

What if I don’t have any rice?

You can substitute quinoa or pasta for a delicious twist on this classic recipe.

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Chicken and Rice Soup

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 6

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Description

Chicken and rice soup is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm pick-me-up. This hearty recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables in a fragrant broth that warms your soul. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Dive into this delicious bowl of goodness that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by dicing the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add chicken breasts and minced garlic; sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth, add thyme and bay leaf; scrape any bits from the pot and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in rice; reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
6. Remove chicken breasts, shred them with forks, and return to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or green beans for extra nutrition. To thicken the soup, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in during cooking.