Homemade Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

Chicken and rice soup is a timeless comfort food that has warmed hearts and filled bellies for generations. The combination of tender chicken, hearty rice, and a flavorful broth creates a soothing, nourishing meal that feels like a big, cozy hug. Whether you’re making it to battle a cold, soothe your soul, or just crave something wholesome and satisfying, this soup has got your back.

The beauty of homemade chicken and rice soup lies in its simplicity. It’s made from basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, but the result is nothing short of magical. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that’s easy to adjust based on what you’ve got in the pantry or your personal tastes. It’s a versatile dish that can be as light or as hearty as you like, and it’s perfect for any time of year.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about making this ultimate comfort food: from the ingredients and cooking instructions to expert tips, recipe variations, and more. Let’s dive in!

This homemade chicken and rice soup is the perfect balance of rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and soft, fluffy rice. It’s the kind of dish that can be eaten at any time of the year, whether you’re looking for something light on a summer evening or hearty enough to chase away the winter chills.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken – You’ll need 2-3 chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. I recommend skinless, boneless chicken for ease, though bone-in can add extra flavor to the broth.
Rice – Typically, long-grain white rice works best for this soup because it cooks up fluffy and doesn’t get too starchy. You can also experiment with jasmine or basmati rice if you want a different flavor profile.
Carrots – These will add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
Celery – A classic base veggie, celery adds a fresh, crisp texture to the broth.
Onion – For that essential aromatic flavor that forms the backbone of many soups.
Garlic – A few cloves of garlic will enhance the savory depth of the broth.
Chicken broth – Use a good-quality low-sodium chicken broth or homemade broth if you can. The broth is the foundation of the flavor in this soup.
Bay leaves – For adding a subtle herbal aroma that ties everything together.
Salt & pepper – To season the soup and bring out the natural flavors.
Olive oil or butter – For sautéing the veggies and adding richness.
Fresh herbs – Parsley, thyme, or rosemary work beautifully to give the soup a fresh, herbal finish.
Lemon juice (optional) – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add brightness and balance out the richness.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Start by dicing your carrots, celery, and onion into small, bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and set it aside. If you’re using bone-in chicken, remove the skin and bones after cooking, and shred the meat into small pieces.
Cook the chicken: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and cook them until browned on both sides. You don’t need to cook them fully through at this stage, as they will continue to cook in the broth later. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken broth and return the chicken to the pot. Add the bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to cook through.
Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
Add the rice: Stir in the rice and let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and fully cooked. If the soup becomes too thick, you can always add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Finish with fresh herbs: Before serving, stir in some freshly chopped parsley or thyme and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired, for a burst of freshness.
Taste and adjust seasoning: Give the soup a final taste, adjusting the salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your liking. Once everything is perfectly balanced, serve the soup hot and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Chicken: The key to a good chicken soup is the quality of the chicken you use. While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most convenient, bone-in chicken (like thighs or a whole chicken) will provide a richer, deeper flavor. The bones release collagen into the broth, making it more gelatinous and flavorful.
Rice: Rice helps to thicken the soup, and it soaks up all the delicious broth. For a lighter soup, use less rice. For a heartier, more filling soup, add a bit more rice. Remember, rice will expand as it cooks, so keep an eye on the texture of the soup.
Broth: Homemade chicken broth adds a layer of richness and depth to the soup that store-bought broth can’t quite match. If you’re using store-bought, opt for a low-sodium version and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Herbs & Lemon: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary brighten up the rich flavors, and a splash of lemon juice will cut through the richness of the chicken and rice, balancing the dish. The lemon also helps to add freshness to the soup.

Expert Tips

Don’t overcook the rice: Rice can easily become mushy if cooked too long. Once it’s tender, remove the soup from heat to avoid overcooking it.
Layer the flavors: When sautéing the vegetables, take your time and cook them until they’re golden and softened. This step adds complexity to the overall flavor.
Use leftovers: Leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken can be a huge time-saver here. Just skip the step of cooking the chicken from scratch and add the pre-cooked chicken toward the end, letting it warm through in the broth.
Thicken it up: If you like a thicker, creamier soup, add a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end. Alternatively, you could mash some of the vegetables with a potato masher to naturally thicken the soup.

Recipe Variations

Add Vegetables: Feel free to throw in extra veggies like peas, corn, or spinach to make the soup more vibrant and nutritious.
Spicy Chicken and Rice Soup: Add a bit of heat with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Curry Chicken and Rice Soup: Add a spoonful of curry powder to the soup base for a different, exotic flavor. The warm spices will infuse into the broth, making the soup aromatic and flavorful.
Herb-Infused: Experiment with different herbs like dill or sage to change up the flavor profile. They complement the chicken and rice wonderfully.
Use Brown Rice or Quinoa: For a healthier twist, swap out white rice for brown rice or quinoa. Both will provide extra fiber and a nuttier flavor.

Final Words

Chicken and rice soup is incredibly versatile, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. You can’t go wrong with this recipe, whether you’re making it for yourself, for the family, or as part of your meal prep for the week. The ingredients are affordable, the cooking process is simple, and the final result is a nourishing, comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

This recipe also stores really well, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for the next few days. It even freezes beautifully for those nights when you need a quick meal on hand.

Homemade Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe