Savory Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Warm up your soul with a comforting bowl of Chicken Rice Soup, the ultimate winter hug in a bowl! This wholesome recipe, passed down through generations, has evolved into a family favorite that never fails to bring everyone together. The magic happens as the brown rice simmers to tender perfection, while the savory broth melds with tender chicken and hearty vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that will make you forget all about the cold outside.

The beauty of Chicken Rice Soup lies in its simplicity – everything cooks in one pot, allowing the flavors to harmonize beautifully. With each spoonful, savor the nuttiness of the brown rice, the sweetness of the veggies, and the warmth of the herbs. For a touch of indulgence, a splash of cream at the end elevates this soul-warming dish to something truly special. Make a big pot on a lazy Sunday and enjoy the even better leftovers throughout the week. This recipe is not just food; it’s a reminder that the best meals are made with love and shared with family and friends.

Quick Benefits

• Hearty and nutritious soup featuring tender chicken, wholesome brown rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth.
• Soup stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient meal prep option.
• Flexibility to customize the recipe by substituting ingredients like chicken thighs, white rice, or adding additional herbs or spinach for variety.
• Creamy broth option with evaporated milk or cream, catering to individual preferences for a clear or creamy soup.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe Recipe

• Heartwarming Comfort: This soup is like a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozying up on cold days or when you need some comfort food.
• Easy One-Pot Meal: With everything cooking in one pot, the flavors meld together perfectly, making it a convenient and hassle-free recipe.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with tender chicken, hearty brown rice, and an array of fresh vegetables, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week; the flavors even improve with time, so it’s a great make-ahead option.
• Customizable and Versatile: You can get creative with this recipe by adding your favorite herbs, veggies, or even swapping brown rice for white rice, making it adaptable to your preferences.
• Family Favorite: This soup has a nostalgic feel that brings everyone together; it’s a delightful way to gather loved ones around the table.
• Long-Lasting Freshness: The soup stays fresh for up to 4 days, ensuring you can enjoy leftovers without worrying about spoilage.
• Option for Creaminess: The addition of evaporated milk or cream lends a luxurious touch to the soup, elevating its richness and flavor profile.

Ingredients for Savory Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

• 1 cup evaporated milk or cream (optional).
• 1 cup brown rice.
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• 1 rib celery, diced.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced.
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, uncooked.
• 1 onion, diced.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
• 5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Pro Tips for Savory Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

To streamline the preparation of this comforting chicken rice soup, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken towards the end of the cooking process. This hack saves time and adds a depth of flavor to your soup. Additionally, keep extra chicken broth on hand as brown rice tends to absorb liquid. The flavors of this soup meld and develop beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy even richer flavors the day after cooking.

For a personalized touch to your chicken rice soup, feel free to experiment with different rice varieties, such as wild rice or jasmine rice, or incorporate fresh spinach for added nutrients and color. Adding a bay leaf while simmering the soup can enhance its depth of flavor. Lastly, don’t forget to serve your steaming bowl of soup with a side of crusty bread to sop up every drop of the delicious broth. This versatile recipe allows for creative adaptations to suit your taste preferences and make each batch uniquely yours.

How to Make Savory Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook onion, carrots, and celery until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Step 02

Cook garlic, parsley, and thyme for 1 minute.

Step 3: Step 03

Combine broth, chicken, rice, salt, and pepper in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Step 04

Shred chicken after reaching 165°F and return to pot along with evaporated milk if desired.

Storage Tips

Once you have made a delicious pot of chicken rice soup, it is important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will remain fresh for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy again, you can reheat it either on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and convenient meal.

If you choose to make a big batch of this comforting soup, you’re in luck because it actually gets better with time. Allowing the flavors to mingle and develop overnight in the refrigerator enhances the taste of the soup. So, don’t hesitate to make extra and enjoy the improved flavors the next day.

For those looking to customize this versatile dish, feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your preferences. You can easily substitute chicken thighs for breasts, adjust the type of rice used, or even add in extra vegetables or herbs. The soup is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, so don’t be afraid to make it your own and enjoy the delicious results.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option, you can use skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in the soup. The thighs are flavorful and will become tender as they cook in the broth. Simply allow them to simmer for a bit longer to ensure they are fully cooked before shredding them for the soup.

If you prefer a dairy-free version of this chicken rice soup, you can omit the evaporated milk or cream altogether. The soup is delicious and comforting even without the creamy element. To maintain the richness without dairy, you could add a splash of coconut milk for a different subtle flavor profile.

In place of brown rice, white rice can be used as a substitute. White rice cooks faster than brown rice, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep an eye on the rice as it simmers in the soup to ensure it reaches the desired tenderness. Feel free to experiment with different types of rice such as jasmine or basmati for a twist on this classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of this comforting chicken rice soup, consider serving it in individual bread bowls. Hollow out small round bread loaves, ladle the soup into each, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. The combination of warm, creamy soup and crispy bread bowl creates a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor.

For a cozy and interactive dining experience, set up a soup bar with an array of toppings and garnishes. Offer bowls of crispy bacon bits, grated cheese, diced avocado, and a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for guests to customize their own bowls of chicken rice soup. This DIY approach adds a fun twist to the meal and allows everyone to tailor their soup to their liking.

FAQs for Savory Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice in this chicken rice soup recipe. Just note that white rice cooks faster than brown rice, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.

How long does this chicken rice soup stay fresh, and how should I store it?

The chicken rice soup stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this soup recipe. Just add the chicken thighs to the soup 10 minutes later in the cooking process to ensure they are cooked through.

Is the evaporated milk or cream necessary for this recipe?

The evaporated milk or cream is optional in this chicken rice soup recipe. The soup is delicious both with and without it, depending on whether you prefer a clear broth or a creamier consistency.

Conclusion

The comforting aroma of Chicken Rice Soup simmering on the stove fills your home with warmth and anticipation. This nourishing and flavorful soup is not just a meal but a delightful experience that brings loved ones together around the table. Each spoonful is like a taste of tradition and love, reminding us of the simple joys in life.

Whether you are seeking solace on a chilly day or simply craving a wholesome meal that both comforts and satisfies, Chicken Rice Soup is the perfect answer. Embrace the charm of homemade goodness and savor every spoonful of this delicious creation. So go ahead, whip up a pot of this soul-soothing Chicken Rice Soup, and let its hearty flavors envelop you in a cozy embrace. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

Savory Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

“Hearty and nutritious chicken rice soup, a comforting blend of tender chicken, wholesome brown rice, and veggies, simmered in a creamy broth.”

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Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 servings (1.5 cups each))

Ingredients

• 1 cup evaporated milk or cream (optional).
• 1 cup brown rice.
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• 1 rib celery, diced.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced.
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, uncooked.
• 1 onion, diced.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
• 5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Instructions

1. Step 01: In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook onion, carrots, and celery until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Step 02: Cook garlic, parsley, and thyme for 1 minute.
3. Step 03: Combine broth, chicken, rice, salt, and pepper in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Step 04: Shred chicken after reaching 165°F and return to pot along with evaporated milk if desired.