Hey there, friends! Have you ever had one of those days when you’re craving something warm and comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Well, I’ve got just the thing: my cozy chicken rice soup! It’s one of my all-time favorites, especially when the weather turns a bit chilly, and I’m in need of some homey, nourishing goodness.
Speaking of chilly weather, this soup brings back memories of cozying up with my family after a fun day playing in the snow. It’s a simple pleasure, but who doesn’t love curling up with a big bowl of steaming soup? If you’re in the mood for more cozy meals, check out my chicken and vegetable casserole.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This cozy chicken rice soup is everything you want in a comfort food: simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with flavors that remind you of home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
You’ll love how it only takes 45 minutes from start to finish, allowing you more time to relax with your loved ones. Plus, with straightforward ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, it’s a budget-friendly meal that’s a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup:
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, for serving
- Chopped parsley, for serving
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth, plus more if needed
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Step-by-step instructions
cook the vegetables
First, heat a large pot over medium heat and drizzle in your olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.
add herbs and garlic
Next, add the minced garlic, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Cook everything together for another minute. The scent of garlic and thyme will fill your kitchen—it’s heavenly!
combine chicken stock, rice, and chicken
Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Time to stir in the uncooked white rice and shredded chicken. Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
simmer to soup perfection
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and tender. If you prefer a thinner soup, add 1 to 2 cups more broth.
finish and serve
Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving. Ladle your soup into bowls, and don’t forget that squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle of chopped parsley on top! Enjoy it warm.
Recipe tips & variations
- For a creamier texture, try adding a cup of coconut milk or a dollop of cream at the end.
- Vegetarian option: Swap shredded chicken for chickpeas or your favorite tofu.
- Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some kick.
Storage & reheating
Got leftovers? Not a problem! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When it’s time to reheat, simmer it on the stove over medium heat. If it’s thickened too much for your liking, just add a bit more broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just let it cool and store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It’ll last for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
2. What rice works best?
I usually go for long grain white rice, but brown rice would also be delicious—just adjust the cooking time as it takes a bit longer.
3. Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! It’s a great make-ahead meal. Just reheat and enjoy.
4. Is it gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure your chicken stock is gluten-free if you’re buying it pre-made.
Recipes you may like
If this cozy chicken rice soup warms your heart, you’ll definitely love these:
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Family Dinners
Chicken Vegetable Soup for Cozy Nights In
Thanks for stopping by, and happy cooking, friends! 😊
Cozy Chicken Rice Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A warm and comforting cozy chicken rice soup, perfect for chilly weather.
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, for serving
- Chopped parsley, for serving
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth, plus more if needed
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and drizzle in your olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Cook everything together for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Stir in the uncooked white rice and shredded chicken. Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving. Ladle your soup into bowls, and don’t forget that squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle of chopped parsley on top!
Notes
- For a creamier texture, try adding a cup of coconut milk or a dollop of cream at the end.
- Vegetarian option: Swap shredded chicken for chickpeas or your favorite tofu.
- Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg