There’s nothing quite like diving into a big, cozy bowl of mom’s chicken and rice soup, is there? It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in warmth from the inside out, perfect for those days when you just need a little comfort food. Whether you’re looking to feed a hungry family or just craving something soothing, this soup hits the spot. Simple to whip up and packed with wholesome goodness, it’s a classic that never fails to please. So, grab your spoon, and let’s get ready to stir up some coziness that’ll make your kitchen the heartwarming center of your home.
A big bowl of chicken and rice soup is always delicious with a generous slice of bread for dipping – or garlic bread – and a fresh salad for added greens.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make, and perfect for cooks of all levels.
- Easily adaptable with different ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
- Adjust the thickness to your liking by simply altering the amount of broth.
- The combination of chicken, rice, and vegetables is hearty and so satisfying.
Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
This soup marries the tender, savory chunks of chicken with the soft, comforting grains of rice, creating a delightful texture in every spoonful. The broth, rich and aromatic with a blend of herbs, envelops the sweetness of carrots and the slight crunch of celery. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying.
Rice Options for Chicken and Rice Soup
You can really use any rice you prefer in this soup. Whole grain rices take longer to cook than white rice. If you intend to use a whole grain rice, make sure to taste test before calling it done. With the longer cooking times, if the rice absorbs too much liquid for your liking, just add more chicken broth.
Brown rice will need to cook for approximately 50-60 minutes.
Wild rice will need to cook for approximately 40-45 minutes.
Chicken Options
This recipe primarily uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, it’s flexible enough to accommodate various types of chicken with slight adjustments:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs:
- Require a longer cooking time of 30 to 40 minutes.
- Adjust when you add the rice to match the extended simmering time, making them ideal for brown or wild rice due to their longer cooking periods.
Leftover, Rotisserie, or Pre-Cooked Chicken:
- Skip the initial chicken cooking step and begin by sautéing the vegetables.
- Add the precooked chicken during the last 5 minutes of simmering, ensuring it’s heated through as the vegetables soften and the rice finishes cooking.
Troubleshooting
- If the soup is too thick, gradually add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- For soup that’s too thin, allow it to simmer a bit longer until some of the liquid reduces.
- If the rice isn’t fully cooked, extend the simmering time, checking frequently until it’s tender.
Tips From the Chef
- Shred the chicken finely for a more consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking to perfect the flavor profile.
- Sauté the vegetables until they’re just softened to bring out their natural sweetness.
When is chicken and rice soup ready?
- The chicken should be fully cooked and easy to shred.
- Rice should be tender, not mushy.
- Vegetables should be soft but not falling apart.
- The soup should have a rich aroma and a golden color.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers: This soup is best enjoyed fresh, as the rice will continue to absorb liquid over time. For those expecting leftovers, opting for brown or wild rice is advisable. These varieties tend to become less mushy than white rice when reheated. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe storage bags. For convenience, you can portion the soup into quart-size bags for individual servings or use gallon-size bags for family portions. Seal the bags, then lay them flat in the freezer to facilitate easier thawing and stacking.
Reheating: Warm the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat until thoroughly heated. If the soup has thickened, add additional chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency.
More soup recipes
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
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