When the days get shorter and the evenings a little chillier, there’s one thing that always hits the spot: chicken rice soup. This bowl of comfort is like a warm hug for your insides, especially when you’re juggling work, school pickups, and trying to remember where you put your phone (again). Whether you’re battling a cold or just need a break from takeout, this homemade chicken soup brings all the cozy vibes with none of the fuss.
Packed with tender chicken, soft rice, and a medley of veggies in a rich, herby broth, it’s everything you want in a comforting soup recipe. Plus, it’s an easy dinner win on busy weeknights. Let me show you how to bring this soothing classic to your table—with just a few pantry staples and a little simmering magic.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Rice Soup
- It uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have.
- Great for meal prep and even better as leftovers.
- Comforting without being heavy—perfect for sick days, chilly nights, or whenever your soul needs a little TLC.
- Tastes like something grandma would make (if grandma had a blog).
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 3 celery ribs, diced
- 1 tablespoon chicken stock powder or 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 to 1.5 lb skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make It
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until onion is translucent.
- Stir in carrots and celery; cook for 1 more minute.
- Add stock powder, dried herbs, bay leaf, pepper, broth, and water. Mix well.
- Drop in the chicken thighs. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes.
- Skim off any foam if you like a clear broth.
- Stir in the rice, cover again, and simmer for 15 more minutes.
- Remove chicken, shred with forks, discard bones, and return meat to soup.
- Add salt to taste. Garnish with parsley if using. Serve warm.
Helpful Tips for the Best Chicken Rice Soup
- Don’t overcook the rice if you plan to store leftovers—it continues to soften over time.
- Bone-in chicken adds flavor, but boneless works if that’s what you have.
- Want to boost the veggies? Toss in some spinach or peas near the end.
- For extra flavor, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice before serving. Game changer.
A Little Story Behind the Soup
This soup became my cold-weather hero the winter I was juggling two sick kids and a packed work schedule. I needed something nourishing that didn’t require a culinary degree or two hours of chopping. After some kitchen tinkering, this bowl of goodness was born. Now it’s on constant rotation whenever anyone sniffles or the weather drops below 60.
What to Serve with Chicken Rice Soup
- A thick slice of buttered sourdough or crusty baguette.
- A light green salad for a fresh contrast.
- Grilled cheese, if you want to double up on comfort.
- Or just a fuzzy blanket and your favorite movie—sometimes that’s all the side dish you need.
How to Store Leftovers
Cool the soup to room temp before storing.
- In the fridge: Use an airtight container and eat within 3-4 days.
- In the freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro tip: Store rice separately if you plan on freezing. It keeps the texture from turning mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Just add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 5 minutes.
What kind of rice works best?
Long grain white rice is classic, but jasmine or basmati work too. Brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken broth for veggie broth and use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just use a bigger pot and make room in your freezer!
Wrap-Up: Why Chicken Rice Soup Belongs in Your Weekly Line-Up
In a world full of fancy meals and fleeting food trends, chicken rice soup remains a humble, hearty classic. It’s the dish you turn to when your to-do list is too long, your patience is short, or your heart just needs something warm. From my kitchen to yours, I hope this comforting soup recipe brings you as much joy (and sanity) as it has brought me.
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Chicken Rice Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Rice Soup is a hearty, comforting classic that’s perfect for chilly evenings, sick days, or busy weeknights. Made with bone-in chicken thighs, tender vegetables, fragrant herbs, and soft rice, this one-pot wonder delivers homemade warmth with minimal effort. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and easy to prepare using everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 onion, chopped
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3 medium carrots, diced
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3 celery ribs, diced
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1 tbsp chicken stock powder or 2 chicken bouillon cubes
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½ tsp dried parsley
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½ tsp dried thyme
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1 bay leaf
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¼ tsp ground black pepper
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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4 cups water
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1 to 1.5 lbs skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
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1 cup uncooked rice
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Salt, to taste
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
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Sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes until translucent.
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Add carrots and celery; cook 1 more minute.
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Stir in stock powder, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, pepper, broth, and water.
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Add chicken thighs. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes.
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Skim off any foam for a clearer broth (optional).
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Stir in rice, cover again, and simmer 15 more minutes until rice is tender.
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Remove chicken, shred, discard bones, and return meat to the soup.
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Add salt to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Avoid overcooking rice if storing leftovers—it continues to soften.
Store rice separately for freezing to maintain texture.
Bone-in chicken enhances flavor but can be replaced with boneless or rotisserie.
Add peas, spinach, or lemon juice for extra nutrients or brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American