The Ultimate Simple Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

When I first arrived in the U.S., I craved something soulful yet simple, a warm, comforting hug in a bowl that could soothe a chilly evening or lift me when I felt under the weather. That’s how I perfected this foolproof Simple Chicken and Rice Soup. It’s my go-to quick weeknight dinner that brings comfort without the fuss. Check out the 60-second video for a quick peek!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Foolproof Simple Chicken and Rice Soup

• Maximum Flavor, Minimal Effort: I’ll show you the reasoning behind each step to create a rich, deep broth every time, no guesswork needed.
• Perfectly Cooked, Never Mushy: Learn how to get tender chicken and fluffy rice that hold up even in leftovers.
• Completely Customizable: Whether you need low-sodium options or toddler-friendly tweaks, this recipe adapts easily.
• Fast & Soothing: Quick prep and cook times make it ideal for busy weeknights or when you just want something cozy.

Choosing Your Ingredients for the Best Flavor

Picking the right ingredients makes all the difference in this simple chicken and rice soup. Here’s why I choose each one carefully:

1. The Chicken

Chicken breast is my favorite here because it cooks quickly and is lean. To keep it tender, I cut it into bite-sized pieces and simmer gently, avoiding a rolling boil that can toughen it. You can use thighs if you like more flavor and a richer texture, but breasts keep cooking time short and broth clear.

2. The Rice

I recommend long-grain white rice, particularly Lundberg Jasmine Rice. It stays fluffy and separate, unlike starchy rices such as Arborio or short-grain rice, which can become gummy and make the soup thick and sticky.

3. The Broth

You’ll notice a huge difference between store-bought and homemade broth. Homemade chicken broth is richer and more flavorful but store-bought can work in a pinch. I always suggest making your own when time allows — you can find the step-by-step in my How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth recipe. For a heart-healthy approach to classic comfort food, consider using low-sodium broth and lots of vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1-1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or butter
• 1/2 yellow onion (finely chopped, ~1/2 cup)
• 1 large carrot (finely chopped, ~1/2 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)
• Homemade seasoned salt and pepper
• 2 chicken breasts (~1lb, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 8 cups chicken stock or broth
• 1 cup long grain white rice (Lundberg Jasmine Rice recommended)

A Note on Seasoned Salt

Seasoned salt is my secret to building flavor quickly in this soup. If you don’t have it on hand, regular salt and pepper work just fine—just adjust to taste as you cook.

Looking for the perfect Dutch oven? Check out my recommended ones here.

Don’t forget to download the Ultimate Soup Season Cheat Sheet below!

Time-Saving Hacks for this Simple Chicken and Rice Soup

1. Using Rotisserie Chicken: Add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last five minutes of simmering, just enough to warm it through without overcooking.
2. Using Pre-Cooked Rice: Stir in 1½ cups of cooked rice toward the end of cooking and reduce simmer time by 5-7 minutes to keep veggies tender.

How to Make Simple Chicken and Rice Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and carrots, season with seasoned salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Cover with a lid and cook until very tender, 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and sauté uncovered for 30 seconds.
2. Bring Broth to Boil: Increase heat to high. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.
3. Add Rice and Chicken: Stir in rice. Season chicken pieces with seasoning salt and pepper, then add to broth. Stir everything together.
4. Simmer Until Done: Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered until rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Simple Chicken and Rice Soup

• Sauté Veggies First: This soffritto builds a flavorful base you won’t get otherwise.
• Don’t Boil the Chicken: A gentle simmer keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
• Cook Rice to ‘Al Dente’: Rice will continue to cook in hot broth, avoiding mush.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste at the end and add more seasoning to keep flavor vibrant.

Troubleshooting Common Soup Problems

Problem	Solution
My Soup is Bland	Salt generously, use quality broth, and boost flavor with a squeeze of lemon or fresh herbs.
My Rice is Mushy	Use long-grain white rice; avoid overcooking or cook rice separately for leftovers.
My Vegetables Hard	Chop veggies finely and sauté until very tender before adding broth.

Variations and Substitutions

Variation Name	How to Make It
Lemony Herb Twist	Add lemon zest and fresh herbs (thyme, parsley) at the end for bright, fresh notes.
Creamy (Dairy-Free) Version	Stir in coconut milk or cashew cream after simmering to add creaminess without dairy.
Extra Veggie Power	Toss in finely chopped celery, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrients and color.

Low-Sodium Variation

Use low-sodium broth and salt-free seasoning blends. Add salt gradually, tasting to keep sodium in check.

Toddler-Friendly Variation

Dice vegetables extra small and shred the chicken finely. Keep sodium low and avoid strong spices.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Your Soup

Storing: Keep soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing: Freeze the soup base without rice for best results. Add freshly cooked rice when reheating.

Reheating: Warm on the stovetop gently or use the microwave. Stir often to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

This foolproof Simple Chicken and Rice Soup is a must-have when you want something easy, comforting, and reliable. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day or during chilly evenings. Now it’s your turn—what’s the one ‘secret ingredient’ you love to add to your chicken soup? Let me know in the comments below! For more recipes click here @aisharecipes

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