Easy Chicken Rice Soup (Printable)

Comforting blend of chicken, rice, and vegetables in a wholesome, easy-to-make pot.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Rice

06 - 2/3 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Liquids

07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter

→ Seasonings & Herbs

09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

→ Finishing Touches

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the chicken pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned on the outside.
04 - Add the rice, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
07 - Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • One-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor
  • Ready in just 50 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
  • Naturally dairy-free when made with olive oil, and completely nut-free
  • Packed with protein and vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld together
02 -
  • Always use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level to your preference
  • Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice—it prevents the soup from becoming gummy
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
  • The soup will thicken as it sits; add extra broth when reheating to restore the desired consistency
  • For meal prep, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it to individual portions to prevent over-absorption
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