![When I think of Easy Chicken and Rice Soup, I focus on fresh, simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this dish comforting and tasty. Here’s what you need: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients create a warm and hearty soup. The olive oil gives a nice base flavor. The onion and garlic add depth, while the carrots and celery bring sweetness and crunch. Chicken breasts provide protein and heartiness. Chicken broth is the soul of the soup, while rice thickens it up. Herbs like thyme and oregano enhance the flavor. A little salt and pepper bring everything together. The lemon juice adds brightness at the end, and parsley gives a fresh touch. Gather these items before you start cooking. Trust me, having everything on hand makes the process smoother. If you want the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. 1. Sautéing vegetables Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one chopped onion. Cook it until it is soft and clear, which takes about five minutes. Then, stir in two minced garlic cloves, two diced carrots, and two diced celery stalks. Cook these veggies for three to four minutes until they soften a bit. 2. Cooking chicken in broth Next, add one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot. Pour in six cups of chicken broth to cover the chicken. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked at this point. 3. Shredding chicken and adding rice After cooking, take the chicken out of the pot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot. Add one cup of uncooked long-grain rice, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and one teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. 4. Simmering and flavoring the soup Mix everything well. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. The rice should be tender and fluffy. Before serving, add the juice of one lemon for a fresh, bright taste. You can adjust the seasoning again if needed. This recipe makes a cozy meal for four to six people. For the full recipe, check the ingredients and steps above. Choosing the right chicken for flavor I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay tender. If you want deeper flavor, try bone-in chicken thighs. They add richness to the soup. Adjusting seasoning for personal taste Taste your soup while cooking. If you like more flavor, add salt, pepper, or herbs. Fresh herbs, like parsley, can brighten up the dish. A splash of lemon juice adds a nice zing too. How to make the soup creamier For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or milk near the end. Stir it in gently to combine. You can also mash some of the rice to thicken the broth. This will give your soup a nice, silky texture. Try these tips to make your chicken and rice soup perfect every time. For the full recipe, check the Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup section. {{image_2}} You can change up your Easy Chicken and Rice Soup in fun ways. - Adding vegetables like peas or corn: Toss in some frozen peas or corn. These add color and sweetness. You can add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking. They will stay bright and tasty. - Using brown rice instead of white: Brown rice gives a nuttier flavor. It also adds more fiber. Just remember, it takes longer to cook. Add about 10 extra minutes to your cooking time. - Making it gluten-free with alternative broth: If you want a gluten-free version, choose a gluten-free broth. Many brands offer this. Check the labels to make sure. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter taste. Feel free to mix and match these ideas! You can create a soup that suits your taste. For the full recipe, check out the Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup. Proper storage keeps your soup fresh and tasty. First, let the soup cool down. This step is key. After cooling, you can put it in a container. Use an airtight container for best results. - Refrigeration guidelines: Store your Easy Chicken and Rice Soup in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. - Freezing tips for leftovers: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. It will last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. - Best reheating methods to maintain flavor: Reheat the soup on the stove for the best flavor. Pour it into a pot and heat over medium-low heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir it halfway through heating to warm it evenly. This soup is great because you can make it ahead. Enjoying it later is easy with these storage tips. For the full recipe, check out the Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup above. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use leftover chicken. Just shred it and add it in step 5. This step saves time and adds flavor. Make sure the chicken is cooked and safe to eat. How can I make this soup dairy-free? To make this soup dairy-free, simply skip any cream or milk. The broth and lemon juice add great taste. You can also add a splash of coconut milk for creaminess if you like. What can I serve with chicken and rice soup? You can serve this soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Both pair well with the soup's warmth. I also like to add some crackers for a nice crunch on the side. For a full meal, consider a light dessert afterward. For the complete guide on making this soup, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy! You learned how to make an easy chicken and rice soup. We covered the key ingredients and detailed steps for cooking. I shared tips for perfecting your soup and customizing it to your taste. Plus, I provided storage advice and answered common questions. Now, you can enjoy a warm bowl of soup that's both simple and delicious. Cook it for yourself or share with friends. This recipe is sure to please!](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7451eb12-568c-4582-a8c9-ce59699433b0-250x250.webp)
Easy Chicken and Rice Soup
Warm up with this cozy chicken and rice soup that’s perfect for any season! Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this comforting dish is sure to be a family favorite. Discover how easy it is to whip up a wholesome meal in under an hour. Perfect for chilly nights, it’s a delightful way to nourish your body and soul. Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a bowl of comfort today!