Is there any meal that evokes a greater sense of comfort than a warm bowl of chicken soup? When a chill is in the air, or you’re feeling a bit under the weather, it’s the one dish that truly feels like a reassuring embrace. But what if we said we could elevate that classic comfort to a new level of satisfaction? We are referring to a soup that is both wonderfully light and satisfyingly hearty. The solution, of course, is a timeless bowl of Chicken Rice Soup.

This particular recipe is a firm favourite of ours, and for good reason. It brings together tender, pulled chicken, fluffy rice, and a beautifully seasoned broth with a traditional mix of vegetables. It’s a complete meal in a single pot, brimming with wholesome goodness and delightful flavour. You can forget about complex recipes with endless ingredient lists; this is all about simple, high-quality components uniting to create something truly exceptional. We’re here to walk you through preparing a pot of this liquid gold that is sure to have everyone at the table asking for more.

What Makes Chicken Rice Soup a Comfort Food Classic?

At its core, Chicken Rice Soup is a tribute to simplicity. It takes the foundational elements of a classic chicken soup and introduces rice, which works a little magic. The rice not only adds a wonderful texture and substance but also releases its starches as it cooks, giving the broth a slightly thicker, more luxurious feel without the need for cream or flour. It elevates the dish from a simple broth to a marvellously filling meal.

We believe it achieves the perfect equilibrium. It’s nourishing enough to help you feel revitalised, yet light enough that it doesn’t leave you feeling heavy. This is why it has become a cherished dish across the globe, with countless variations found in different cuisines. Our version remains faithful to the beloved, traditional flavours many of us grew up with: a savoury broth, sweet carrots, earthy celery, and aromatic herbs. It is the taste of home, lovingly made and ready to soothe the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The Ultimate in Comfort: This recipe is the definition of easy comfort food. The warming broth, tender chicken, and soft rice combine to create a deeply soothing and satisfying meal, perfect for a cosy evening in.
• A One-Pot Delight: Everything comes together in a single pot, which allows the flavours to meld beautifully and, perhaps best of all, means there’s very little washing up. It’s the perfect choice for a stress-free meal.
• Nourishing and Wholesome: Filled with lean protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, it offers a well-rounded meal. It’s one of those nutritious soup recipes that genuinely leaves you feeling good from the inside out.
• A Hit with the Whole Family: Its gentle yet delicious flavours make it a guaranteed favourite for both kids and adults. It is a fantastic option for a quick family dinner.
• Wonderfully Simple to Prepare: With clear steps and easily sourced ingredients, even those new to cooking can confidently create a spectacular pot of soup.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 700g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 litres good-quality chicken stock or broth
• 150g long-grain white rice
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• A large handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, but recommended)

How to Make the Perfect Chicken Rice Soup

Crafting this wonderful soup is a very straightforward affair. We will build up layers of flavour right from the start to make sure every spoonful is absolutely perfect. Just follow our simple steps for a flawless result, time after time.

1. Create Your Aromatic Foundation: Set a large pot or Dutch oven over a medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Gently cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring now and then, until the vegetables are soft and the onion looks translucent. This initial step is vital for developing a deep, savoury base for your soup.

2. Sear the Chicken and Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant, making sure it doesn’t catch. Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Let it brown for approximately 2 minutes per side. The goal here isn’t to cook it fully, but to sear the outside to seal in its delicious flavour.

3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken stock, using a wooden spoon to scrape any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this is pure flavour! Add the dried thyme and the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down to low, pop the lid on, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

4. Shred the Chicken: Gently lift the cooked chicken out of the pot and place it onto a board. With two forks, pull the meat apart into bite-sized shreds. It should be tender enough to shred with ease.

5. Cook the Rice: While the chicken is out of the pot, bring the broth back up to a medium simmer. Add the uncooked rice. Allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the grains are perfectly tender. Remember to give it an occasional stir to stop it from sticking.

6. Combine and Finish: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and allow it to warm through for a minute or two. Take the pot off the heat and remove the bay leaf. To finish, stir in the freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. This final touch brightens up all the flavours wonderfully. Give it a taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if you feel it needs it.

Our Top Tips for Success

Although this Chicken Rice Soup recipe is wonderfully simple, a few of our expert tips can take it from being great to truly sensational.

Use a High-Quality Stock

The broth is the heart and soul of your soup, so using a good one is paramount. If you have it, homemade chicken stock is always the winning choice. Otherwise, select a high-quality, low-sodium stock from the shop. A rich, flavourful stock means you will need to add less salt later. Many people also extol the virtues of bone broth, which can offer extra nutrients and a deeper flavour. You can find out more about its potential benefits from trusted sources like Healthline, which provides a detailed overview.

Don’t Overcook the Rice

Keep a watchful eye on the rice while it’s simmering. The aim is for it to be tender while still retaining its shape. If overcooked, it can become mushy and absorb far too much of your delicious broth. We find that long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, is ideal as it holds its structure well in soups.

The Finishing Touches Matter

Never underestimate the impact of fresh ingredients added right at the end. The fresh parsley introduces a vibrant, clean note that cuts through the richness of the soup, while that small squeeze of lemon juice awakens and elevates every single flavour in the pot. It’s a simple trick that gives the soup a more refined, professional taste.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

This soup is an excellent choice for meal prepping and makes for wonderful leftovers. To store, let the soup cool down completely before you transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days.

When you come to reheat it, you’ll notice the rice has absorbed more liquid overnight, making the soup considerably thicker. We suggest reheating it gently on the hob over a low heat. You will most likely need to add an extra splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency. Simply stir it in until the soup is thoroughly heated, and it will taste just as delicious as when it was first made.

FAQ

A Bowl of Comfort You’ll Make Again and Again

So there you have it—a simple, heartwarming, and utterly delicious Chicken Rice Soup recipe that we are confident will become a cherished staple in your home. It’s so much more than a meal; it’s a bowl of pure comfort, perfect for sharing with those you love.

Whether you’re in need of a dependable weeknight dinner or a nourishing bowl to soothe a cold, this soup always delivers. We hope you’ll head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the wonderful, satisfying process of creating this timeless classic.

Have you tried our Chicken Rice Soup? We would be delighted to hear how it went! Please feel free to leave a comment and a rating below to share your thoughts. Happy cooking!

Recipe Card

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 55 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 700g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 litres good-quality chicken stock or broth
• 150g long-grain white rice
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• A large handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 6-8 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the pot, searing for 2 minutes per side.
3. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Add the thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
5. Bring the broth back to a simmer and add the uncooked rice. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Remove from heat and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 504 kcal,
Carbs: 40 g,
Protein: 65 g,
Fat: 8 g