This cozy homemade chicken and rice soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or whenever you crave a warm, nourishing meal. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, sweet carrots, celery, and fragrant herbs simmer together in a flavorful broth to create a delicious soup the whole family will love.
This easy one-pot recipe uses simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and fresh herbs for a homemade taste that is comforting in every spoonful.
Recipe Details
Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
35 minutes
Total time
55 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Course: Soup / Main Course
Cuisine: American-inspired comfort food
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Everything you need to make this comforting homemade soup.
Chicken
– 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Rice
– ½ cup (100 g) uncooked white rice, rinsed
Carrots
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
Celery
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
Onion
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
Garlic
– 3 cloves, minced
Peas
– 1 cup (150 g) frozen or fresh peas
Chicken broth
– 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
Olive oil
– 2 tablespoons
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large soup pot. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat, cover partially, and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a clean plate. Keep the broth in the pot.
Step 2: Shred the chicken
Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Set the shredded chicken aside while you prepare the vegetables and rice.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the rice and herbs
Add the rinsed rice, dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well so the rice is coated with the vegetables and herbs.
Pour in the reserved chicken broth if you removed any, ensuring there is enough liquid for the rice to cook.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add the chicken and peas
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the peas.
Simmer for another 5–8 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the peas are heated through. Add a little extra broth or hot water if the soup becomes thicker than you prefer.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple green salad.
Enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of homemade comfort!
Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Soup
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavor: They tend to stay juicy and tender.
- Rinse the rice: This removes excess surface starch and helps keep the broth from becoming too cloudy.
- Avoid overcooking the rice: Rice continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so check it regularly.
- Add extra broth when needed: Keep some warm broth nearby if you prefer a thinner soup.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley added at the end brightens the flavor.
- Taste before serving: Adjust the salt and pepper after the chicken, rice, and vegetables have simmered together.
Easy Recipe Variations
Brown rice version
Brown rice works well, but it needs more cooking time and may require additional broth. Follow the package directions for the best texture.
Extra vegetables
Add chopped zucchini, spinach, corn, or green beans for more color and variety.
Creamier soup
Stir in a small splash of milk or cream near the end of cooking, if desired.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Cool promptly and store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
Freezer
Freeze in airtight portions for up to 3 months for best quality. Rice may soften after thawing.
Reheating
Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot throughout. Add extra broth or water because the rice absorbs liquid during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes. Skip the raw-chicken cooking step and add shredded cooked chicken when you add the peas. Simmer until the chicken is thoroughly heated.
Can I use leftover cooked rice?
Yes. Reduce the simmering time for the rice step and stir in cooked rice near the end, allowing enough time for it to heat through without becoming mushy.
How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
Avoid overcooking the rice. If you expect leftovers, cook the rice separately and add it to individual servings or stir it into the soup just before serving.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes. For the best texture, prepare the broth, chicken, and vegetables ahead of time, then cook and add the rice shortly before serving.
Is chicken and rice soup gluten-free?
It can be. Use gluten-free chicken broth and check the labels on all packaged ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on six servings:
- Calories: 250–300
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: Varies with the broth and added salt
Nutrition values are approximate and vary depending on the chicken cut, broth brand, and serving size.
Final Thoughts
This cozy homemade chicken and rice soup is a timeless comfort-food favorite. Tender chicken, soft rice, sweet garden vegetables, and fragrant herbs come together in a warm, satisfying broth that is easy to prepare and wonderful to share.
Make a pot for a family dinner, prepare it for a chilly day, or save a few portions for easy lunches throughout the week. Every bowl brings simple ingredients together into a comforting homemade meal.
Enjoy your meal!
