Some recipes are just classic, like salisbury steak and slow cooker mac and cheese. Chicken and rice soup is also on the list, and this is the perfect meal for cold weather or a sick day.
Growing up, I used to eat chicken and rice soup from a can, especially when I was feeling under the weather. This homemade chicken and rice soup is ten million times better than the canned version and also happens to be super easy to make.
How do you make chicken and rice soup?
The ingredient list for this soup is simple and wholesome. The recipe starts with carrots, onion and celery sauteed in butter. Shredded chicken, herbs and chicken broth go into the mix, then everything simmers until the veggies are tender. The final addition is the rice and a sprinkling of fresh parsley.
What is the best rice for chicken soup?
I typically use regular long grain white rice for this soup, because that’s what my kids like. You can also use brown rice or a wild rice blend if you prefer. Just be aware that brown rice and wild rice will need more time to cook, so plan accordingly!
Tips for Chicken and Rice Soup
I typically roast up a few bone-in, skin on chicken breasts to use in this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs, leftover chicken, or even rotisserie chicken. This recipe calls for dried Italian seasoning, which is a blend of herbs such as basil, parsley and oregano. It’s readily available in most grocery stores. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can mix together equal parts of dried parsley, oregano and basil, or try using fresh herbs such as 2 teaspoons of chopped thyme leaves. Chicken and rice soup can be made ahead of time. Prepare the recipe as directed, but omit the rice. Refrigerate the soup for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 1 month. Add the rice into the soup after the soup has been reheated. I typically use low sodium chicken broth so that the end product isn’t overly salty. This soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal, but I often serve it with bread on the side, like garlic knots or honey cornbread.
Do you cook rice before adding it to soup?
I prefer to cook my rice before I add it to this soup because rice is notorious for absorbing a ton of liquid and can easily get overly soft. If you stir already cooked rice into the soup right before serving, the rice will absorb very little liquid and won’t be mushy. You can absolutely cook the rice in the soup too if you prefer, just add a few more cups of broth to compensate for the liquid that the rice will absorb as it cooks.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup
This soup is a great candidate for the crock pot. Place 4 raw chicken breasts in a slow cooker along with the veggies, broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then remove the chicken breasts and shred the meat. Return the chicken to the pot and stir in the cooked rice. Alternatively, you can add raw rice during the last 30 minutes of the cook time.
Whether you’re under the weather or just looking for a kid-friendly dinner option, this chicken and rice soup is sure to hit the spot!
More easy soup recipes
Hamburger Soup Stuffed Pepper Soup Cabbage Roll Soup Chicken Tortellini Soup Mexican Chicken Soup
