Homestyle Chicken and Rice Soup

Homestyle Chicken and Rice Soup is a classic, comforting dish that evokes the warmth of home and family meals. It features tender chicken, wholesome rice, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days, feeling under the weather, or whenever you need a comforting bowl, this soup is nourishing, filling, and incredibly satisfying.

The simplicity of this soup allows the natural flavors of chicken and vegetables to shine, while the rice adds heartiness, making it a complete meal in a bowl. Fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables enhance the flavor, creating a soothing yet flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and loved by both kids and adults.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comfort in a bowl. The tender chicken, soft rice, and flavorful broth make it both hearty and gentle on the palate. It’s a dish that warms the soul and makes any meal feel like home.

The combination of vegetables, herbs, and rice adds layers of flavor while keeping it healthy and satisfying.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Classic comfort food: Soothing, familiar, and hearty.
• Wholesome ingredients: Chicken, rice, and vegetables make it nutritious.
• Easy to make: One-pot recipe with minimal prep.
• Versatile: Adjust vegetables and seasoning to taste.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 50–55 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Calories: ~280 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
• Course: Soup / Main Course / Lunch or Dinner

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas for added sweetness

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil or butter until softened.
2. Add chicken and cook lightly until browned.
3. Pour in chicken broth, add thyme, parsley, and bay leaf, and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in rice, reduce heat, and simmer until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
5. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
6. Adjust seasoning, add peas if desired, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 – Prep Ingredients

• Dice onions, carrots, and celery.
• Mince garlic.
• Rinse rice under cold water.

Step 2 – Sauté Vegetables

• In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
• Add onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
• Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3 – Add Chicken and Broth

• Place chicken breasts or thighs into the pot and lightly brown for 2–3 minutes.
• Pour in chicken broth and add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a boil.

Step 4 – Add Rice and Simmer

• Stir in rice.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked and rice is tender.

Step 5 – Shred Chicken

• Remove chicken pieces, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
• Stir in frozen peas if using and cook 2–3 minutes more.

Step 6 – Adjust Seasoning and Serve

• Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve in bowls with crusty bread or crackers.
• Pair with a simple side salad for a light meal.
• Ideal as a comforting lunch or dinner, especially during colder months.

Recipe Tips

• For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
• For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup milk or cream before serving.
• Use brown rice or wild rice for a nuttier flavor, but adjust cooking time.
• Shredding chicken ensures even distribution throughout the soup.
• Remove bay leaf before serving.

Variations

• Vegetable-packed: Add zucchini, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spicy: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Herbaceous: Use fresh rosemary or dill for a fragrant twist.
• Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup cream or coconut milk for a creamy texture.
• Leftover Chicken: Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Forks for shredding chicken

FAQ

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but cook it longer (about 40–45 minutes) and add extra broth if needed.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after a day as flavors meld. Store separately in fridge if adding rice, or rice may absorb too much liquid.

Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Add pre-cooked shredded chicken in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Q: Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook vegetables, broth, and chicken on low for 4–5 hours; add rice in the last 30 minutes.

Q: Can I freeze this soup with rice already cooked?
Yes, but the rice may become softer when reheated. Consider cooking rice separately if planning to freeze.

Conclusion

Homestyle Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, nourishing, and simple to make. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and full of flavor from wholesome ingredients. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner, a remedy for a cold, or meal prep for the week, this soup proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort and flavor.