Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup

Introduction

Few dishes bring more comfort and satisfaction than a bowl of homemade chicken and rice soup. Hearty, nourishing, and brimming with savory flavor, this timeless classic soothes with every spoonful. It’s an easy, wholesome meal that delights both family and guests, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser—especially on chilly evenings or whenever you need a gentle culinary hug.

Faster and fresher than takeout, this recipe is perfect for home cooks who crave a cozy meal without complicated prep or lengthy cooking times.

Why This Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup Works

This homemade chicken and rice soup offers layers of flavor from simple, quality ingredients. Tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice meld together in a light broth, making each bowl both nutritious and deeply satisfying. Its straightforward preparation and adaptability (use whatever veggies you have on hand!) keep the process stress-free and rewarding.

Pro Tips for Easy Prep and the Best Texture

To speed up your dicing time, reach for the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper—it ensures perfectly uniform pieces, which cook evenly and look beautiful in your soup. For shredding your chicken quickly, try the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, keeping your hands mess-free and saving time.

Cook the rice separately or add it halfway through simmering to prevent it from becoming mushy. If you’re storing leftovers, keep rice and soup in separate containers to preserve the preferred texture—Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers are an excellent, leak-proof choice.

How to Create the Perfect Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup

Start by sautéing classic mirepoix—onions, carrots, and celery—in a sturdy, nonstick pan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet. This enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and builds a robust flavor base.

Next, add the chicken, broth, and seasonings, then gently simmer. Stir in cooked or parboiled rice toward the end, adding lemon juice or fresh herbs at the last moment to brighten flavors.

Serving and Storage Ideas

For an inviting lunch on the go, pack your soup in a Bentgo Salad Container—it’s spill-proof and perfectly portioned. Pair your soup with crusty bread or a spritz of fresh lemon juice for an extra layer of freshness.

To serve at a dinner party or family meal, set out toppings like chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a swirl of good olive oil on a pretty platter for guests to add their favorites.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes 6 generous servings. Thanks to lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains, each bowl is filling and balanced, with approximately 250–300 calories per serving. Low in fat and loaded with nutrients, this soup is both comfort food and smart eating.

Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup (Recap)

Quick to prepare and crowd-pleasing, homemade chicken and rice soup combines nourishing ingredients in a light, flavorful broth. It’s endlessly adaptable, satisfying, and bound to become a staple recipe in any kitchen.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Add chicken, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove chicken and use the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen or two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
4. Add rice and simmer for another 15 minutes, or until rice is tender. (If using pre-cooked rice, add just before serving and warm through.)
5. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Stir in lemon juice if using, then garnish with chopped parsley.
6. For storage, place cooled soup in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If prepping lunches, portion soup into a Bentgo Salad Container for easy transport.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes