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This chicken and rice soup recipe is the perfect recipe for a chilly day. Chicken, vegetables, and brown rice are simmered in a flavorful broth and finished with a touch of creaminess.

What You’ll Need For Chicken and Rice Soup

• Chicken Broth: I prefer low-sodium chicken broth as the base of this soup, so it isn’t too salty. You can also make a homemade chicken broth. While it’s optional, heavy cream or evaporated milk adds a touch of creaminess.
• Seasoning: The seasonings are simple with parsley and thyme, but feel free to add other dried or fresh herbs or bay leaves. Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Vegetables: Celery, onion, and carrot add both flavor and nutrition to this soup.
• Chicken: Use raw boneless skinless chicken breasts; simmering them in the soup adds flavor to the broth. Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs can be used. Or add bacon for a chicken bacon soup!
• Rice: Brown rice is a hearty boost of fiber and holds its texture well. You can replace it with long-grain white rice, wild rice, or basmati. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Shortcuts

• Use leftover cooked rice; it can be added about 5 minutes before serving.
• Use rotisserie chicken, leftovers, or cooked chicken in place of chicken breasts. Add it once the rice is cooked.
• Avoid standing at the stove and make this soup in the crockpot.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup

1. In a pot or Dutch oven, sauté the vegetables in oil (full recipe below).
2. Add broth, uncooked chicken breasts, and rice, then simmer until the rice is tender.
3. Shred cooked chicken, stir it back into the pot, and finish with cream or evaporated milk.

Serve with dinner rolls or a chunk of crusty bread for dipping.

Storing Leftovers

• This chicken rice soup is perfect for meal prep because it freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To freeze leftovers, cool the soup to room temperature, then place it in freezer bags. Seal completely and lay flat to freeze in a thin layer. This will help the soup thaw quickly when you need it for dinner.
• The rice can absorb liquid as the soup sits; if needed, add additional broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

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