This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
This Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect One Pot Soup Recipe! Cozy, hearty meal with tender chicken, vegetables, and rice simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Why You’ll Love this Chicken and Rice Soup!
There’s just something about a steaming bowl of Chicken and Rice Soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. Growing up, this was one of those made from scratch recipes my family turned to on chilly nights or when someone wasn’t feeling their best.
The tender and juicy chicken, soft vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice all come together in a savory broth that’s as nourishing as it is comforting. What I love most is how simple the pantry ingredients are and creates a meal that feels hearty, wholesome, and full of love.
It’s the kind of recipe I find myself making over and over, not just because it’s easy, but because it always brings me back to those cozy family moments around the dinner table.
For even more soup recipes, try Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup or Broccoli Cheese Soup to enjoy for a cozy night in!
Ingredients
- Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice
- Vegetables – Dice celery and carrots into small pieces
- Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
- Chicken Breast – You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken
- Chicken Broth – You can also use chicken stock or see these Chicken Broth Substitutions
- Italian Seasoning – See how to make Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe
- White Rice – We use long grain rice
- Fresh Parsley – Optional addition
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup
Step 1 – In a large pot, add oil, onion, celery and carrots to the pot. Heat and sauté for about 5 minutes until the veggies get soft.
Step 2 – Stir in the garlic and sautè for another minute until you can smell the garlic over low heat.
Step 3 – Add in the cut up chicken breasts, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot and bring to a boil.
Step 4 – Stir in the rice. Once it comes to a boil again, add the lid again, reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is shreddable and the rice is cooked through (tender).
Step 5 – Remove the chicken, shred with forks or hand mixer, and return to the pot. Stir to combine.
Step 6 – Stir in the fresh parsley and serve warm.
Chicken and Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 sticks celery diced
- 3 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
- 1 lb chicken breasts boneless skinless, cut into large pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, add oil, onion, celery and carrots to the pot. Heat and sauté for about 5 minutes until the veggies get soft.
- Stir in the garlic and sautè for another minute until you can smell the garlic.
- Add in the cut up chicken breasts, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the pot and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the rice.
- Once it comes to a boil again, add the lid again, reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is shreddable and the rice is cooked thorugh (tender).
- Remove the chicken, shred, and return to the pot.
- Stir to combine.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and serve warm.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Recipe Tips
- Chicken Breast – I like to cut chicken chicken breasts into 3 pieces just so they will cook faster in the pot. You can even use boneless skinless chicken thighs which will cook even faster. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of chicken you use.
- Cutting Vegetables – Make sure the celery and carrots are diced small so they cook fast. You can even cut ahead of time to save time on cooking day.
- Cook Ahead of Time – If you prefer, you can make this soup ahead of time. If you do, you may want to add in cooked rice on serving day. This will prevent the rice from soaking up all the liquid.
Variations Ideas
- Rice – We used long grain white rice for this recipe, but you can also make it with brown rice. It does take a little longer to cook so you may want to cook separately to ensure it completely cooks.
- Lemons – For a bright and refreshing taste, add in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or lime juice.
- Fresh Herbs – To add even more flavor, add in fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary. Start with ½ tsp and add more if you prefer.
- Vegetables – Feel free to add in more veggies such as fresh spinach, kale, or bell peppers.
Nutrition Facts
What to Serve with Chicken and Rice Soup
Try these easy side dishes to serve with this delicious Chicken and Rice Soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no need to cook the rice before placing into the soup. The boiling broth will cook the rice with the other ingredients. Feel free to cook the rice separately then separate in bowls and then top with soup.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Once the soup has cooled, place in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to reheat.
Warm gently on the stove, adding broth or water if too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave for a quick lunch.
More Easy Chicken Soup Recipes
Easy Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
Quick and Easy Soup
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Easy Slow Cooker
Crockpot Italian Chicken Soup Recipe
If you make Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe, please leave us a comment. We love hearing from you.
