Description

Simple Chicken and Rice Soup is a warm, cozy bowl featuring tender shredded chicken, soft rice, carrots, celery, and onion in a fragrant, comforting broth. This 30-minute weeknight favorite delivers hearty nourishment with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy families or when you want soothing comfort. Thyme and a squeeze of lemon brighten the pot, while fresh parsley adds color. Easy to customize with leftover veggies, it’s nourishing, budget-friendly, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb cooked shredded chicken
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional: squeeze of lemon for brightness

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, add thyme and bay leaf, and bring to a simmer.
Add shredded chicken and cooked rice. Stir and let simmer 10–12 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken works great in this soup.
For a lighter version, use low-sodium broth and lean chicken.
Can easily double as a cozy lunch option for the next day.
Include extra vegetables like peas, spinach, or zucchini if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 270
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Simple Chicken and Rice Soup, Easy chicken soup, Cozy soup, 30 Minute Dinner, Comfort Food, Chicken and Rice, Weeknight Meal, Family Dinner, Hearty Soup