Heartwarming Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Warmth radiates through this comforting chicken and rice soup that promises instant healing and satisfaction.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen flood back with each spoonful of tender ingredients.

Homemade goodness seeps into every delicate bite, creating a magical blend of comfort and nutrition.

Delicate rice kernels nestle alongside succulent chicken pieces, promising a hearty meal that soothes both body and soul.

Fragrant herbs dance through the broth, infusing each serving with depth and character.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary, making this recipe a must-try for anyone seeking culinary comfort.

What Stands Out in This Chicken Soup

• Nourish with Comfort: A heartwarming soup packed with tender chicken, soft rice, and colorful vegetables that hugs your soul like a warm blanket on a chilly day.
• Simplify Cooking: Requires minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Quick Meal Solution: Prepares swiftly with straightforward steps, allowing busy families to enjoy a nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with complex cooking methods.
• Customize Your Bowl: Flexible recipe welcomes personal touches like adding different herbs, switching protein, or including extra vegetables to match individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

What Ingredients Go Into This Chicken Soup

• Shredded Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid foundation for the soup.
• Rice: Adds comforting texture and makes the soup more filling.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a deep, flavorful base for the soup.
• Carrots, Celery: Contribute sweet and earthy notes with added nutrition.

• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and aromatic depth to the soup.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a subtle richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

How to Cook Cozy Chicken Soup From Scratch

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook and stir these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 2: Build The Soup Base

• White or brown rice
• Chicken broth
• Fresh thyme
• Chopped parsley

Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to start dancing together.

Step 3: Gentle Simmering

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup cook slowly. For white rice, this takes about 20 minutes; brown rice might need 25-30 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Introduce Tender Chicken

Fold in shredded cooked chicken.

Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb the surrounding flavors.

Step 5: Final Touch And Serving

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to your preferred taste.

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Soup Tips That Make This Chicken Dish Special

• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and allow personalized seasoning at the table.
• Cut carrots, celery, and onions into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Use two forks or a hand mixer to quickly and evenly shred cooked chicken, creating tender and consistent meat pieces.
• Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of dried herbs like rosemary to enhance the soup's overall taste profile and complexity.
• Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk during the final simmer for a richer, more luxurious soup texture.

Cozy Chicken Soup With Different Flavor Profiles

• Creamy Chicken Rice Delight: Blend cream cheese or heavy cream into the soup for a richer, velvety texture that adds luxurious warmth.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Replace thyme with oregano, add lemon zest, and include diced red bell peppers for a bright Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced green chiles, cumin, and cilantro, then top with shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern version.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Incorporate ginger, soy sauce, and green onions, then finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for an aromatic Asian-style chicken rice soup.

Try These Additions With Cozy Chicken Soup

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the soup's delicate chicken and herb flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Create Bread Companion: Serve with warm, crusty sourdough or rosemary focaccia bread to soak up the flavorful broth and add delightful texture contrast.
• Match with Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light green salad with mixed spring greens, cucumber slices, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Enhance with Herbal Tea: Finish the meal with a soothing chamomile or mild green tea that echoes the soup's herbal notes and provides a comforting end to the dining experience.

Best Way to Store Chicken Soup Safely

Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining best flavor and texture.

Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Will stay good for 2-3 months. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Pour soup into a pot. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly. Avoid high heat to prevent rice from becoming mushy.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of rice in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as some grains take longer to cook.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with lean protein from chicken, vegetables for nutrients, and a light broth base. It’s a balanced, nutritious meal that’s low in calories and high in flavor.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Definitely. The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after sitting overnight, making it a great meal prep option.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add extra protein like diced cooked beans, increase the amount of chicken, or serve with a side of crusty whole grain bread to make it more substantial.

Cozy Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Warm comfort awaits with this hearty chicken and rice soup, perfect for chilly evenings. Nourishing ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken, shredded
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) uncooked rice

Vegetables:

• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a fragrant base by sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become tender and translucent.
2. Introduce uncooked rice, chicken broth, dried thyme, and fresh parsley to the vegetable mixture, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil to initiate the cooking process.
3. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pot and allowing the ingredients to meld together for 20-25 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent rice from sticking and ensure even cooking.
4. Gently fold in pre-cooked, tender shredded chicken, letting it warm through for an additional 5 minutes while absorbing the rich, herbal broth flavors.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced and comforting flavor profile.
6. Carefully ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap white rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the dish lower in carbs and boost nutritional value.
• Boost protein by adding extra shredded chicken or stirring in a beaten egg during the last few minutes of cooking for a silky texture.
• Customize herbs by experimenting with fresh rosemary, sage, or dill instead of thyme for different flavor profiles that complement the chicken and broth.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with white beans, tofu, or roasted chickpeas and using vegetable broth for a hearty plant-based version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg