Chicken And Rice Comfort Soup

Name: Chicken And Rice Comfort Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound chicken breast, cubed; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup uncooked rice; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup frozen peas; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Warm Cooking

I've always found solace in a warm bowl of Chicken and Rice Comfort Soup, especially on chilly days. This recipe blends tender chicken, creamy rice, and hearty vegetables into a soothing broth that warms both body and soul. I love to prepare this dish on busy weeknights because it comes together quickly yet tastes like it has simmered all day. The combination of flavors is so satisfying, and each spoonful reminds me of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones.

Created by

Xanthe Beaumont

Last updated on 2026-02-10T15:57:36.212Z

In my quest for the perfect comfort food, I stumbled upon the magic of this Chicken and Rice Comfort Soup. I experimented with different herbs and spices, finally settling on a blend that brings out the best in the chicken and veggies. By sautéing the aromatics first, I learned to enhance the flavors right from the start, creating a robust base for the soup.

On particularly cold evenings, nothing beats a bowl of this soup paired with crusty bread. I often make a double batch to ensure there's plenty to share, as leftovers are just as delightful, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight. This is my go-to recipe for when I need a hug in a bowl!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Takes just one pot to make, minimizing cleanup
Comforting and nourishing, perfect for any season
Versatile recipe – customize with your favorite vegetables

Building Flavor

The foundation of this Chicken and Rice Comfort Soup is built upon the sautéed vegetables. Sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery until tender not only enhances their natural sweetness but also creates a flavor base that infuses the entire dish. Aim for the onion to become translucent, and allow some caramelization to occur for deeper flavor. It's a crucial step, so take your time to let them soften—around 5 minutes should do the trick.

When adding the garlic, watch closely! Cooking it for just one minute prevents burning, which can create bitterness. If you prefer a more robust garlic flavor, consider adding a few extra cloves after the soup has finished cooking. This layering of flavors is what makes this soup truly comforting and aromatic.

Ingredient Importance

The choice of chicken in this recipe impacts both texture and flavor. For a more tender finish, use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they remain juicier during cooking. If you're short on time, precooked rotisserie chicken can be added towards the end of the cooking process, just enough to heat it through without overcooking it.

Rice plays a pivotal role in creating the soup's comforting thickness. Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and retains a delightful texture. If you wish to use brown rice, be prepared to increase the simmering time by about 15 minutes, as it requires a longer cooking duration to become tender.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this hearty soup:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound chicken breast, cubed
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup uncooked rice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen peas
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure everything is prepared before you start cooking for an easy experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious Chicken and Rice Comfort Soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Cook the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken to the pot and season with thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Broth and Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

Finish with Peas and Serve

After the rice has cooked, stir in the frozen peas. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Serve the soup hot and feel free to customize with additional toppings or sides!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving or incorporating some fresh spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. You can prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember, when reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the consistency, as the rice absorbs more liquid over time.

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Portion out servings in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It should maintain its quality for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and rewarm on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.

Flavor Variations

While the classic flavors of this soup are delightful, don't hesitate to personalize it! Try adding a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream before serving for a zesty twist. You can also mix in a handful of spinach or kale just before finishing for an extra nutrient boost.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate some red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables, or stir in your favorite hot sauce just before serving. Keeping the base simple allows for endless variations, so feel free to experiment with herbs such as rosemary or basil for your own signature touch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What vegetables can I add to the soup?

Feel free to include any vegetables you love, such as corn, green beans, or bell peppers.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for longer storage.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting chicken with tofu or chickpeas and using vegetable broth instead.