There’s just something magical about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? Especially on those chilly evenings or when you’re just craving a little hug in a bowl. My go-to, hands-down favorite for those moments is this simple, hearty, and oh-so-quick Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup. Seriously, it’s been a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I need something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of soup that just makes everything feel a little bit better, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
Seriously, this soup is a winner for so many reasons. It’s:
- Super Easy to Make: You really can get this on the table in under an hour, perfect for busy nights!
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, hearty, and just feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.
- Packed with Flavor: Simple ingredients, but they all come together for such a delicious taste.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters usually gobble this one up.
Ingredients for Your Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing soup! It’s really just a collection of simple, good-for-you ingredients that create magic. Trust me!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Just a little to get things started.
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion – Makes everything taste better, right?
- 2 carrots, chopped – Adds that lovely sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – The classic soup base trio!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a little punch of flavor.
- 8 cups chicken broth – I like to use good quality stuff, but whatever you have works! Homemade is amazing if you’re feeling ambitious.
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here, or just cook up a breast beforehand.
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice – This is our fluffy friend that makes it a real meal.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Gives it that cozy, herbaceous note.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Always remember to season!
Equipment Needed for Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
To whip up this delightful soup, you don’t need anything too fancy! Just grab a large pot or Dutch oven – that’s where all the magic happens. You’ll also want some trusty measuring cups and spoons, along with a good knife and a cutting board for prepping your veggies. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup is honestly a breeze. It all comes together in a few simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a bubbling pot of pure cozy goodness. Trust me, even if you’re new to the kitchen, you can totally nail this! For another comforting classic, check out my Chicken Noodle Soup recipe!
Sautéing the Aromatics for Your Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
First things first, grab your big ol’ pot and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering just a bit, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. This is where all the flavor starts building! Let them do their thing for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every now and then, until they’re nice and soft. You want them to be tender, not mushy! A little tip: don’t overcrowd the pot – give those veggies some space to soften up properly.
Adding Liquids and Simmering the Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
Now for the good stuff! Add your minced garlic and let it get fragrant for just about a minute (watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!). Then, pour in that glorious chicken broth. Give it a stir and bring it all up to a nice rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, it’s time to add your cooked shredded chicken, that uncooked white rice (yep, right into the liquid!), and the dried thyme. Give everything a good stir, then turn the heat down low, pop a lid on, and let it simmer away. You’ll want to let it bubble gently for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until that rice is perfectly tender and cooked through. You can always check by tasting a grain or two!
Seasoning and Serving Your Perfect Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
Almost there! Once the rice is tender, give your soup a taste. This is your moment to add salt and black pepper to make it just perfect for your palate. Some broths are saltier than others, so go easy at first and add more if needed. Once it’s seasoned just right, ladle that beautiful Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup into bowls and serve it up piping hot!
Tips for Making the Best Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
Okay, listen up, because I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really make this Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup sing! First off, the chicken broth. While any broth will do in a pinch, using a good quality one, or even better, homemade, makes a *huge* difference in the depth of flavor. Don’t be afraid to play around with the veggies too! I sometimes throw in some frozen peas or corn right at the end – they add a nice pop of color and extra sweetness. My biggest tip for the rice? Make sure you don’t overcook it! You want it tender, but not mushy. And if you’re looking for another super cozy soup, you’ve GOT to try my creamy chicken soup recipe!
Variations and Customizations for Your Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
You know, this soup is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great base if you want to jazz it up a little! Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the thyme for rosemary or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little warmth. You can toss in some frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra color and sweetness. Or, if you’re brave, try using brown rice – just remember it’ll need a bit longer to cook and maybe a touch more broth.
Storing and Reheating Your Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
Leftovers of this glorious Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup are practically a gift to your future self! Once it’s cooled down a bit, pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days. If you want to stash some away for even longer, it freezes like a dream! Just make sure it’s properly cooled, seal it up tight in freezer-safe containers or bags, and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. For another hearty dish that freezes well, you should totally check out my slow cooker chicken stew!
Reheating is super simple. On the stovetop, just gently warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. For the microwave, cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. You might need to add a splash more broth or water if it seems a bit thick after chilling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
Got questions about making this cozy soup? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this soup?
You sure can! Just know that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook, usually around 30-40 minutes. You might also need to add a little extra broth, maybe another cup or so, because it soaks up more liquid.
How can I make this Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup vegetarian?
Super easy! Just swap out the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth. Then, instead of shredded chicken, you could add some extra veggies like peas, corn, or even some diced firm tofu for protein. It’s still delicious and warming! For another great vegetarian option, check out my vegetarian chili!
What is the best way to store leftover Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup?
Once it’s cooled down, pop any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep nicely for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container – just add a splash of broth or water when you reheat it!
Nutritional Information for Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
Here’s a little look at what you can expect in a serving of this comforting soup. Keep in mind these are estimates, and they can change a bit depending on exactly what you put in!
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Share Your Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup Creations!
I absolutely LOVE hearing from you when you try my recipes! Did you make this Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup? I’d be thrilled if you’d leave a comment below telling me how it turned out! Better yet, if you snap a pic, tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your cozy bowls of soup!
Print
Chicken and Rice Comfort Soup
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and comforting soup made with chicken and rice.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in shredded chicken, uncooked rice, and thyme.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth.
- Add other vegetables like peas or corn if desired.
- This soup freezes well for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken soup, rice soup, comfort food, easy soup, weeknight dinner, chicken and rice