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Easy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

4.6 from 129 reviews

This easy chicken and rice soup is a comforting and hearty homemade dish, packed with tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup simmers to perfection on the stovetop, combining wholesome ingredients to create a satisfying and nourishing experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped small
  • 3 sticks celery, chopped small
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced thin
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Protein

  • 6 uncooked chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)

Liquids & Grains

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 cups chicken broth (two 32 oz. cartons)
  • 1 cup long grain white rice (e.g., jasmine)

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables: Prepare your onion, celery, and carrots by chopping them as specified — onion and celery chopped small, carrots peeled and thinly sliced.
  2. Sauté Base: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release its flavor, taking care not to burn it.
  4. Add Main Ingredients: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the pot along with the sliced carrots, 8 cups of chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 cup long grain white rice. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
  5. Simmer Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir the soup well to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, carrots are tender, and the rice is fully cooked.
  6. Shred Chicken and Final Seasoning: Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and shred or cut them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and add chopped fresh parsley if using.
  7. Serve: Give the soup a final stir and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • The longer you simmer the soup, the softer the rice will become; avoid overcooking if you prefer firmer rice.
  • Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and easy to shred.
  • Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice fresh flavor and color.
  • You can substitute jasmine rice with other long grain white rice varieties if desired.
  • For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt accordingly.

Keywords: chicken soup, chicken and rice soup, easy chicken soup, comfort soup, homemade chicken soup