This warm and cozy white chicken rice soup is perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a flavorful broth, it’s a bowl of comfort!
I love how easy this soup is to make—just throw everything in the pot and let it simmer. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Both work well for sautéing the veggies. I prefer olive oil for its flavor, but butter adds a lovely richness. If you’re dairy-free, stick with olive oil!
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is great to control the salt content. Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works perfectly. You could also use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Rice: Long grain white rice keeps the soup classic, but feel free to substitute with brown rice or quinoa for a heartier dish. Just remember to adjust cooking times if using a different grain.
Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. You can also use canned chicken or even shredded turkey if available.
How to Make Sure Your Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking rice in soup can be tricky. The key is to rinse the rice before cooking. This removes excess starch, preventing it from getting gummy. Also, avoid overcooking it—check for doneness around the 15-minute mark.
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
- Cook it just until tender—too long means mushy rice!
- Stir the soup gently so the rice doesn’t stick together.
With these simple tips, you’ll have fluffy rice to complement your creamy soup! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make White Chicken Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 ½ cups cooked white chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- ¾ cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice or pinch of nutmeg for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time, and you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to cook it. So, in just about 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious pot of white chicken rice soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion is translucent.
2. Add the Garlic:
Now, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. This adds a wonderful aroma to your soup!
3. Add the Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is the foundation of our flavorful broth.
4. Incorporate the Rice:
Stir in the rinsed white rice, dried thyme, and parsley. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Make sure to stir occasionally so the rice doesn’t stick!
5. Add the Chicken:
Gently fold the cooked chicken pieces into the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together and warm the chicken through.
6. Season to Taste:
Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. For a little extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg. It really brightens up the broth!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, hearty white chicken rice soup.
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken or even rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this soup. Just shred it up and add it in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
What Can I Use Instead of Rice?
If you want a different texture or a healthier option, you can substitute rice with quinoa or even barley. Just note that cooking times may vary, so check them accordingly during the simmering stage.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the rice may absorb more broth when stored. You can always add extra broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency!
