If you are searching for a warm, satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly, this Easy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s a soothing blend of tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies all simmered in a fragrant, savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or whenever you need a hug in a bowl, this soup manages to be both nourishing and incredibly simple to prepare without sacrificing any of that homemade comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a large white pot, there are three main layers of cooked vegetables mixed together: bright orange carrot cubes, light green celery slices, and small translucent onion pieces. On top, there is a small pile of minced garlic, a single whole bay leaf, and a few green sprigs of fresh herbs. A wooden spoon with a long handle rests inside the pot, partially soaking in the vegetables. Next to the pot on a white marbled surface is a white bowl filled with shredded light beige cooked chicken. A light grey cloth is partially visible in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential to building layers of flavor and texture in your soup. Each one plays a starring role, ensuring your dish turns out just right—rich, colorful, and welcoming.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a silky base that gently sautés the veggies without overpowering their flavors.
Yellow onion: Provides a natural sweetness and depth that forms the broth’s aromatic foundation.
Carrots: Bring a subtle earthy sweetness and bright bursts of vibrant color.
Celery ribs: Offer a mild bitterness and crunch that balance out the richness.
Garlic cloves: Infuse a warm, comforting pungency that wakes up every other ingredient.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Add a delicate herbaceous note that perfectly complements the chicken.
Bay leaf: Enhances the broth with deep, savory undertones without overwhelming the palate.
Chicken stock or broth: The heart of the soup, bringing savory richness and moisture.
Long grain white rice: Absorbs all those wonderful flavors while providing comforting body and texture.
Shredded cooked chicken: This is where the protein shines—rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for great flavor.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and balancing all the flavors beautifully.
Fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley: Freshen and brighten each spoonful with a lively pop at serving time.

How to Make Easy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and veggies

Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery, then cook for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the vegetables soften and their natural sweetness starts to shine through. This step builds a flavorful base that gives the soup its inviting scent and hint of sweetness.

Step 2: Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaf for fragrance

Next, toss in the minced garlic, fresh thyme sprigs, and a bay leaf. Let these simmer with the veggies for an additional minute to release their warm, herbal notes into the pot. This brief moment enhances the depth and layers of flavor before you add your liquids.

Step 3: Pour in chicken broth and bring to boil

Pour the chicken stock into the pot and bring the liquid to a gentle boil. This is where the magic of combining all your ingredients to form the soup truly begins, as the broth absorbs the subtle flavors from the vegetables and herbs.

Step 4: Add rice, chicken, and season well

Stir in the uncooked rice and shredded cooked chicken, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. These components will soak up the broth’s richness and create a comforting, hearty texture. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning here to get it just right.

Step 5: Simmer until rice is tender

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. This allows the rice to fully cook and the flavors to meld beautifully. If the rice absorbs too much liquid before it’s tender, simply add another cup or two of chicken broth to keep everything wonderfully soupy.

Step 6: Finish with fresh lemon juice and parsley

Before serving, ladle the soup into bowls and brighten it up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. These final touches add a fresh, zesty lift that balances the soup’s heartiness perfectly.

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Two white bowls filled with chicken soup are shown on a white marbled surface. The soup has multiple layers: a top layer of shredded light brown chicken pieces, small orange carrot cubes, and pale yellow celery chunks, all sitting in a clear yellow broth with specks of green herbs sprinkled on top. The soup includes visible white rice grains that float throughout. Each bowl rests on a patterned black and white saucer. Nearby is a white pot with leftover soup and a black ladle inside. A gold spoon lies partially under one bowl, while a beige cloth napkin and a small wooden plate with lemon wedges and chopped greens are also visible. Fresh green thyme sprigs are scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes make all the difference. A little fresh parsley scatters a burst of color and herbal brightness atop the creamy broth, while lemon juice adds just the right zing, waking up the flavors and giving each spoonful an irresistible brightness. Cracked black pepper freshly ground at the table is also a lovely touch.

Side Dishes

While this soup stands wonderfully on its own, pairing it with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a side salad completes the experience. Garlic toast or a simple buttered baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth, making your meal feel even more comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or in individual mini Dutch ovens for a cozy presentation. You might also consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness or an unexpected flavor boost. Inviting presentation makes this easy chicken and rice soup recipe perfect for casual dinners or special family gatherings alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup is just as good, if not better, the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so reheating is a treat, but be mindful the rice will continue to soak up broth, so you might want to add a splash of stock or water when warming it back up.

Freezing

This easy chicken and rice soup recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent texture changes, you can freeze the soup without the rice and add fresh cooked rice when reheating if preferred.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra broth if it feels too thick because the rice tends to absorb a lot of liquid. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep textures intact and flavors fresh.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Just note it takes longer to cook, so you’ll want to simmer the soup for a bit longer or pre-cook the rice before adding it to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Is this soup suitable for freezing with the rice included?

Rice tends to get mushy when frozen and reheated, so if you plan to freeze the soup, consider storing the rice separately and adding it fresh when you’re ready to serve, or accept a softer texture for convenience.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken and chicken broth for a plant-based protein like beans or tofu and use vegetable broth. Keep the herbs and veggies the same for that comforting, savory base.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme works well if fresh isn’t available. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated, and add it earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavor to develop.

Is rotisserie chicken the best choice for this soup?

Rotisserie chicken is incredibly convenient and adds great flavor, but homemade shredded chicken or leftover roasted chicken will work just as well. The key is to have tender cooked chicken to fold in at the end.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe truly checks all the boxes for comfort food that’s both nourishing and unfussy. Whether you’re nursing a cold, feeding a family, or simply craving something warm, this soup fits the bill with its straightforward ingredients and cozy flavors. Give it a try—you’ll want to keep this recipe in your go-to rotation for those days when you need a little extra comfort on your spoon.