This Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chicken, hearty rice, and a flavorful broth. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a cozy meal. This easy one-pot recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out!

⏳ Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
📝 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
🍨 Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, then sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Add Broth and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth and add thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Rice
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded chicken and cooked rice. Let everything simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor. For another comforting meal, check out Chicken Alfredo Casserole!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf and serve your warm, comforting soup in bowls. This soup pairs wonderfully with Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges for a complete meal.

🔥 Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Soup
- 🍚 Use leftover rice to save time and avoid overcooking in the soup.
- 🥣 For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- 🌿 Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra freshness.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Comes together in just 40 minutes.
- Comforting & Nourishing – Perfect for cold weather or when feeling under the weather.
- One-Pot Wonder – Less mess, more flavor!
🥄 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
❄️ Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prep the ingredients ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
🍽️ Conclusion
This Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect balance of warmth, flavor, and nourishment. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something cozy, this soup is a must-try! Pair it with Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a delicious meal.

chicken and rice soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, then sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded chicken and cooked rice. Let everything simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor. For another comforting meal, check out Chicken Alfredo Casserole!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Prep the ingredients ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes.