Chicken and Rice soup is one of my favorites when I’m feeling a bit under the weather, and I make it whenever one of my kids has a cold too. There’s something so comforting about a bowl of hot chicken soup, and the addition of rice makes it filling and nutritious too. Similarly, I really enjoy all types of chicken soup in the winter months. Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo and Instant Pot Chicken Noodle are excellent comfort food soup options too. Want something different? Check out all of my Soups here.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Olive Oil and Butter: Yes, we’re using both! This combination will help us sautee our vegetables and add silky flavor and texture to the soup. Onion, Carrot, Celery, and Garlic: The four key vegetable ingredients to any good soup. Not only are they delicious, but they will make your whole house smell amazing. Flour: This is used as a thickener to give the soup a light, silky, creamy texture. Stock or Broth: Canned, boxed, or homemade chicken stock can be used to make this simple soup. Use whatever is easy and available. Chicken: I like to use chicken breasts because they are really simple to cook. Thighs or other chicken cuts can be used as well. Herbs and Seasonings: Bay leaf, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper give this chicken and rice soup tons of savory, comforting flavor. Fresh parsley is a beautiful garnish. Rice: Long grain white rice adds bulk and delicious carbohydrates to this filling chicken soup.
How to Make Chicken with Rice Soup
Recipe Tips
Take a Shortcut: Using a pre-cooked grocery store rotisserie chicken will save you time and energy. For Clear Soup: The flour in this recipe thickens the soup and gives it a slightly creamy texture. If you prefer a clear broth, just leave it out. Lemon Juice: For an extra kick and a bright flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice at the end of cooking.
What to Serve with Chicken and Rice Soup
Soup and Salad: Such a classic combo to enjoy for lunch or dinner. Try a Kale Salad or a delicious Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad. Don’t forget to make some Homemade Croutons or this delicious Garlic Bread. As a Full Meal: To turn the soup into a meal, I like to serve it with sandwiches. Make Cuban Sandwiches, or Tuna Melts. Kids will love it if you serve soup with Oven Baked Chicken Tenders on the side.
Variations
Use other grains. Barley, farro, quinoa, or even small pasta can be used in this soup instead of rice. Use Leftover Chicken. Leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover holiday turkey can be used to create this soup. Simply skip the step that has you simmer the chicken, and add your meat in with the rice to warm it through. Adjust the Seasonings. You probably already know what you like to put in a soup when it comes to herbs and spices. Add your own spin by trying something different. Dill, basil, or homemade Italian Seasoning could work. Enjoy this comfort food perfection! Chicken and Rice Soup is so perfect for warming you up on a cold day. © Little Sunny Kitchen
