Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food. It’s warm, soothing, and filling, making it an ideal choice for a cozy meal, especially on chilly days. This recipe not only delivers delicious flavors but also brings back special memories, making it a truly heartfelt dish. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or want a dish that will bring comfort to your soul, this soup is sure to please.
Ingredients
Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/4 pounds bone-in chicken breast
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (for cooking rice)
- 3/4 cup long-grain white rice (or 2 1/4 cups cooked rice)
How to Prepare Chicken and Rice Soup
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before starting, make sure all ingredients are prepped. Chop the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smoother and faster.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add Spices and Chicken
Stir in the dried basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, mustard powder, and black pepper. Then, add the soy sauce, hot sauce, chicken breasts (with bones), and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—be sure not to bring it to a full boil to avoid making the chicken tough. Partially cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Cook the Rice Separately
In a separate pot, bring 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the raw white rice and mix well to ensure the rice is evenly covered in liquid. Bring it back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and cook for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 10 minutes to allow any stuck grains to loosen up. This should yield about 2 1/4 cups of rice.
6. Combine the Soup and Rice
Once the rice is ready, taste the soup and add salt if needed. To serve, place the rice in individual bowls and ladle the chicken soup over the rice. Stir the rice into the soup for a comforting, hearty dish.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top of the soup for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the warmth and comfort that this Chicken and Rice Soup provides!
Cooking Tips
- Separate Cooking for Rice: The rice is cooked separately to prevent it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy. This way, any leftover soup and rice will stay separate and fresh when stored.
- Freezing: You can freeze both the soup and rice separately for later use. This makes it a great option for meal prep or future quick meals.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on how spicy you like your soup.
- Rice Variations: Different types of rice may require varying amounts of water and cooking times. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package for best results.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and soft rice makes this soup feel like a hug in a bowl.
- Nourishing: It’s full of wholesome ingredients—protein from chicken, fiber from veggies, and satisfying carbs from rice.
- Customizable: You can make this soup your own by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the seasoning to your liking.
- Easy to Make: This recipe doesn’t require a lot of effort, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or when you need a quick and satisfying dish.
This Chicken and Rice Soup recipe is a true winner, combining simplicity, flavor, and comfort in one pot. It’s perfect for chilly days, sick days, or any time you just need something soothing and filling. Try it out and enjoy the warmth of homemade soup that always feels like a special meal.