simple chicken rice soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple chicken rice soup recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – simple chicken rice soup. This hearty soup is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. It’s a recipe that originated from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother. The story goes that this soup was a staple during the Great Depression, as it was an affordable and filling meal for families.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it my own, but the essence remains the same. My kids love it when I serve it with a side of crusty bread or crackers, and my husband appreciates the fact that it’s a healthy and comforting meal after a long day. As for me, I love how easy it is to prepare and how versatile it is – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make! Just throw all the ingredients into a pot, let it simmer, and voila! A delicious, satisfying meal that will leave everyone feeling happy and full. We’ve made this soup countless times over the years, and every time, it feels like we’re making memories together as a family.

So grab your apron and let’s get cooking! This recipe makes about 6 servings, so feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your needs. I’ve included some helpful tips below to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time. As I mentioned earlier, this soup has been passed down through generations in my family.

It’s a testament to the power of food in bringing people together and creating lasting memories. Whenever we gather around the table to enjoy this soup, I’m reminded of my childhood and the countless hours spent in the kitchen with my grandmother. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just a few basic ingredients come together to create something truly special. Of course, there are some tweaks you can make along the way to suit your taste preferences.

For instance, if you’re not a fan of garlic, simply omit it or reduce the amount accordingly. One thing that sets this recipe apart from others is its ease of preparation. With just 30 minutes of prep time required before throwing everything into a pot and letting it cook away, There’s no denying that this soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen.

Simple Chicken Rice Soup

4.7 from 1367 votes

A comforting and easy-to-make soup with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2Add onion, carrots, and celery.
3Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5Add chicken breasts to the pot.
6Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
8Stir well to combine.
9Bring the soup to a boil.
10Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
11Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
12Remove the pot from the heat.
13Let the soup rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
14This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
15Remove the bay leaf and discard.
16Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
17Stir the chicken back into the soup.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 73mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 27g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more broth or water if it becomes too thick. For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth.

This simple chicken rice soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting lunch with friends. It is a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables, making it a versatile and economical option for meal prepping. It is a great recipe to have in your back pocket for when you are too tired to cook or when you have unexpected guests.

It is a great way to get a balanced meal with all the nutrients your family needs. It is so easy to make and full of health benefits. I always make a big batch and then freeze some for later. It is so convenient to have on hand for a quick and easy meal.

It is a great recipe to have in your weekly meal rotation. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if needed to restore the soup’s consistency. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

This soup is always a hit with my family and friends.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Rice Soup

Q1: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

For this simple chicken rice soup recipe, you can use either boneless chicken breast or thighs – whichever suits your preference!

Q2: Can I substitute other types of grains for rice?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other grains like quinoa or barley if you prefer.

Q3: How do I store leftover soup for later use?

Simply let your soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Q4: Can I make this recipe in advance?

While you can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to cook the soup on the day you plan to serve it.

Q5: What are some variations on this basic recipe?

You can add vegetables like carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrients.

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