Description
This Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup is a warm, nourishing one-pot meal filled with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe—easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for chilly days, meal prep, or when you need a soothing bowl of homemade goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ¾ cup long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and water. Stir in thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Stir in shredded chicken and simmer for 5 more minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or add more lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes for extra greens.
- Stir in cream or coconut milk for a creamy version.
- Use brown or wild rice for a heartier soup—just increase the cook time.
- No cooked chicken? Simmer raw chicken breasts in the broth, then shred.
- Store leftovers with extra broth or water for reheating—rice absorbs liquid as it sits.
