Chicken Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food—a rich and satisfying dish that offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for something soothing after a long day or seeking to nourish yourself during the colder months, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
It’s not just about the ingredients, but the memories and warmth it brings, making it a staple in homes for generations. With tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and hearty rice, this soup promises to wrap you up in its warmth, like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. The recipe is simple yet rich in flavors, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a quiet evening.
Ingredients:
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Soup Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 ¼ lbs bone-in chicken breast (or chicken thighs for a richer flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Rice Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (for cooking the rice)
- ¾ cup uncooked white long-grain rice (or 2 ¼ cups cooked rice)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Soup Base:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. This step creates the aromatic base for your soup. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its savory oils. - Add Seasonings and Broth:
Stir in the dried basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, mustard powder, and black pepper. These spices will infuse the soup with a comforting, earthy aroma. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and hot sauce, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. It’s important to avoid a rolling boil to ensure the chicken remains tender. - Cook the Chicken:
Place the bone-in chicken breasts into the pot and allow them to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. This will cook the chicken thoroughly while keeping it juicy and tender. If using chicken thighs, cook for a slightly longer time. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken, discarding the bones, and then return the shredded chicken to the soup. - Cook the Rice Separately:
While the chicken is cooking, take a medium saucepan and bring 1 ½ cups of chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the broth back to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the rice cook for about 15 minutes. Afterward, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the grains to release any stuck ones. - Combine and Taste:
Once the rice is ready, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. If you prefer, you can stir the rice directly into the soup for a heartier dish, or you can serve the soup over the rice in bowls, ensuring a clean, separate texture for leftovers. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. - Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous amount of chicken and vegetables. The comforting aroma of this chicken rice soup will have everyone gathering around the table. Serve hot and enjoy the wholesome warmth this dish offers.
Tips and Variations:
- Rice Tip: Cooking the rice separately helps prevent it from soaking up too much broth, ensuring that the soup maintains its ideal texture. This also allows you to store the rice and soup separately if you plan on having leftovers.
- Storage: Both the soup and rice can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Be sure to cool the soup and rice before storing.
- Substitute Options: You can substitute the chicken breast for thighs for a richer flavor, or use leftover rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even quicker. If you prefer a creamy texture, a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk can be added towards the end of cooking.
- Make It Spicy: Adjust the level of heat in the soup by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Conclusion:
Chicken Rice Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a bowl of warmth and comfort that brings family and friends together. Its simplicity, coupled with its robust flavors, makes it the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a meal to share with loved ones. The balance of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy rice in a savory broth is the perfect combination to soothe both the body and soul. So, next time you’re in need of a pick-me-up, make this Chicken Rice Soup and let it work its magic—one comforting spoonful at a time!
