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Warm up with this Classic Chicken And Rice Soup that’s hearty, soothing, and simple to make on the stovetop. Perfect for those craving comforting Soup Recipes With Rice and delicious Rice Chicken Soup Recipes – discover the details. #ChickenAndSoupRecipes #SoupRecipesRice #ClassicChickenAndRiceSoup #WarmFoods #SoupPictures
A Bowl of Comfort on a Chilly Night
It began on one of those gray evenings when the wind whistled through the windows and the house felt just a little too quiet. I opened the pantry, searching for something that would wrap the night in warmth, and my eyes landed on a bag of rice and a few chicken breasts resting in the fridge. In that moment, Classic Chicken And Rice Soup became more than just dinner—it became a little act of comfort.
As the pot began to simmer on the stovetop, an inviting aroma filled the kitchen—the scent of garlic mingling with fresh herbs, of golden onions softening beside tender bites of chicken. The steam curled into the air, fogging the windowpanes while the sound of bubbling broth brought that gentle rhythm only home-cooked food can offer. With each stir, that simple pot of Classic Chicken And Rice Soup transformed into a memory—one that instantly reminded me of childhood dinners and cozy holiday gatherings.
What sets this bowl apart from other Chicken And Soup Recipes is its perfect balance. The rice absorbs the savory broth, giving each spoonful a velvety texture, while the chicken adds hearty substance. It’s a dish that feels restorative—like taking a deep breath after a long day. This soup isn’t just food; it’s comfort in its purest form, a reminder that sometimes the most nourishing meals are built from simplicity and care.
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Cozy Classic Chicken & Rice Soup | Simple Stovetop Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This classic chicken and rice soup is a warm, soothing stovetop recipe made with tender chicken, fragrant vegetables, and long-grain rice. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Heat oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and thyme and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Place chicken breasts in the pot and sear 2 minutes per side.
5. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf; bring to a gentle boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked.
7. Remove chicken, shred with forks, and set aside.
8. Stir rice into the simmering broth and cook uncovered 15–20 minutes until tender.
9. Return shredded chicken to the pot and heat 5 minutes.
10. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice; garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 50
Keywords: classic chicken rice soup, chicken and rice soup, stovetop soup, comfort food, easy soup, hearty soup, rice soup, family dinner
Why This Recipe Feels Timeless
There’s a reason why Soup Recipes With Rice have lasted through generations. They’re simple enough to make on a weeknight, yet satisfying enough to share on a Sunday. The combination of tender chicken and soft, fragrant rice delivers the kind of comfort that transcends trends and cooking skills. Each spoonful offers warmth, flavor, and that familiar texture we instinctively crave when we need a little extra comfort.
Among the many Rice Chicken Soup Recipes loved in kitchens around the world, this one stands out for its adaptability. Whether you prefer using leftover rotisserie chicken or simmering fresh pieces in a homemade broth, it always turns out comforting. Rice thickens the broth naturally, giving it body without requiring cream or flour. And because it’s cooked on the stovetop, you can adjust every step—the seasoning, the herbs, even the depth of flavor—to fit your personal touch.
At its heart, this Classic Chicken And Rice Soup speaks to the universal need for nourishment that feels familiar. It’s the kind of meal that encourages you to slow down, ladle out a generous portion, and savor the way each ingredient works together to create something beautifully simple. Classic. Comforting. Timeless.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need
This Classic Chicken And Rice Soup is built on simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Every element in this comforting meal serves a purpose—from the tender chicken to the fragrant herbs, each item layers in flavor and texture to create one of the coziest Soup Recipes With Rice you’ll ever ladle into a bowl.
Simple Ingredients, Everyday Pantry Favorites
Below is a clear list of ingredients for a family-sized pot that yields about six generous servings of warm, hearty soup. Use it as a baseline, and feel free to adjust according to your preferences or what’s already in your kitchen.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil or butter | 2 tablespoons | Use butter for a richer taste or olive oil for a lighter option |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium | Substitute with sweet onion for a milder flavor |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 2 medium | Add more for natural sweetness |
| Celery stalks, chopped | 2 | Enhances the classic soup base flavor |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 | Fresh garlic adds depth; adjust to taste |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb (about 2 pieces) | Use chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken for added richness |
| Long-grain white rice | ¾ cup | Swap with brown or wild rice for a nutty flavor |
| Chicken broth or stock | 6 cups | Homemade or low-sodium varieties preferred |
| Bay leaf | 1 | Optional, adds a subtle earthy note |
| Dried thyme or Italian seasoning | ½ teaspoon | Fresh thyme or parsley can be used as garnish |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Start light; adjust as it simmers |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons | Adds color and freshness |
| Lemon juice (optional) | 1 tablespoon | Brightens up the flavor before serving |
Healthy Add-Ins You Can Try: To add nutrition and variety, toss in kale, spinach, mushrooms, or peas toward the end of cooking. These are great ways to layer extra texture into your Rice Chicken Soup Recipes while keeping the flavor vibrant.
Tools & Prep Essentials
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: For simmering broth and rice comfortably.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Gentle stirring to prevent sticking.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For chopping vegetables and trimming chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate portions.
- Ladle: To serve piping hot soup neatly.
Prep Tips:
- Chop vegetables evenly for consistent texture.
- Sear the chicken lightly to deepen broth flavor.
- Rinse the rice to remove excess starch and prevent heaviness.
- Maintain a steady, gentle simmer for tender chicken and rice.
Storage & Leftovers: Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days. The rice may absorb broth, so just add water or stock to restore the ideal texture. Freeze cooled portions for up to three months, then reheat on the stovetop until steaming.
How to Make Classic Chicken & Rice Soup (Step-by-Step)
Cooking this Classic Chicken And Rice Soup is all about layering warmth and flavor, one step at a time. It’s a stovetop recipe designed to be approachable and satisfying—a favorite among Soup Recipes With Rice. Each simple step transforms everyday ingredients into a deeply comforting meal.
Building the Base of Flavor
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and golden, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in minced garlic and thyme; cook 30–60 seconds until aromatic.
- Sear the chicken: Add chicken breasts and brown lightly on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.
- Build the broth: Pour in chicken stock and add the bay leaf. Bring to a low boil, scraping the bottom to lift flavor pieces.
- Simmer: Reduce to low, cover, and cook 20–25 minutes until chicken is tender. Remove it to shred.
- Add the rice: Stir rinsed rice into the broth; simmer uncovered 15–20 minutes until tender and full of flavor.
- Shred & return chicken: Shred the chicken with forks and stir it back into the pot to meld flavors another 5 minutes.
Why broth quality matters: Homemade or low-sodium stock keeps flavors balanced and lets tender rice and chicken shine through in this Classic Chicken And Rice Soup.
Finishing Touches & Serving Ideas
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme to enhance aroma and color.
- Customize: Add a swirl of cream for richness or greens like kale and peas for extra nutrients.
- Presentation: Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve with crusty bread or freshly cracked pepper.
- Meal prep: Store extra portions for later. If thickened over time, thin with a bit of broth when reheating.
This simple stovetop method creates a golden, aromatic broth filled with soft grains and tender meat—a perfect base for countless Soup Recipes With Rice. When that first spoonful brings steam and warmth, you’ll understand why Chicken And Soup Recipes like this are truly timeless.
FAQs + Conclusion
Common Questions About Classic Chicken And Rice Soup
Can I use brown or wild rice? Yes. Cook them separately since they take longer (about 40–45 minutes), then stir into the finished soup for the best texture.
How long do leftovers last? Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days. Add water or broth when reheating to restore consistency.
Can I make it ahead or freeze it? Prepare ahead by cooking everything except the rice, then add fresh rice at serving. Freeze cooled portions up to three months.
How can I thicken the broth naturally? Simmer uncovered a few extra minutes, or mash some rice and vegetables to create natural creaminess.
What vegetables work best? Classic carrot, celery, and onion form the ideal base. Add peas, kale, spinach, or zucchini to customize your Rice Chicken Soup Recipes.
A Hug in a Bowl
There’s something unmistakably comforting about serving a steaming bowl of Classic Chicken And Rice Soup. Maybe it’s the way the broth clouds the air with warmth or how the tender grains and chicken melt together perfectly. Simple ingredients, slow simmering, and effortless care merge into a dish that defines homemade comfort.
Among all Soup Recipes With Rice, this one holds a special spot—it’s beautifully simple, endlessly versatile, and filled with the nostalgic flavors of home. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your favorite vegetables and grains, every version delivers the same heartwarming experience.
In every spoonful, this Classic Chicken And Rice Soup feels like more than food—it’s a gentle reminder that comfort often comes from simple ingredients simmered with love, creating a true hug in a bowl.
