If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out, this Chicken and Rice Soup – A Warm Embrace on Chilly Days Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender, shredded chicken swimming in a fragrant broth simmered with fresh veggies and herbs, and delicate grains of rice soaking up all the savory goodness, every spoonful brings warmth and satisfaction. It’s simple, nourishing, and perfect for those days when you want something wholesome and heartwarming on the table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for chilly afternoons and cozy evenings alike.

Chicken and Rice Soup – A Warm Embrace on Chilly Days Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this soup is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role, bringing freshness, depth, and texture that combine into a beautifully balanced bowl of comfort.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies without overpowering their natural flavors.
1 medium onion, chopped: Builds a sweet, aromatic foundation essential for any good soup.
2 carrots, peeled and diced: Bring a subtle natural sweetness and vibrant color to the broth.
2 celery stalks, diced: Add a delicate crunch and earthiness that rounds out the flavor profile.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuse the soup with warm, savory notes that make every bite irresistible.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a fragrant herbal touch that pairs perfectly with chicken.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances the soup with a subtle, Mediterranean twist.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
8 cups chicken broth: The nourishing base that carries all the ingredients in harmony.
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: Adds comforting heartiness and soaks up the savory broth beautifully.
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: The protein star delivering meaty, satisfying bites in every spoonful.
Fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbal finish.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup – A Warm Embrace on Chilly Days Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Let them cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This sets the flavor foundation for your soup and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for another minute until the mixture becomes wonderfully fragrant. This step unlocks the essential herbs’ delicate aromatics and infuses every inch of the pot with savory goodness.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, add your uncooked long-grain white rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This lets the rice cook through tenderly, soaking up the rich flavors of the broth while thickening the soup just right.

Step 4: Incorporate the Chicken

After the rice is perfectly tender, stir in the cooked, shredded chicken. Let the soup cook for another 3 to 5 minutes to warm the chicken thoroughly. This finishing touch adds a hearty protein boost that makes the soup satisfyingly filling without weighing it down.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Before serving, always taste your soup and tweak the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper as needed. This ensures every spoonful bursts with balanced flavor, tailored perfectly to your palate.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh herb flavor. Now your Chicken and Rice Soup – A Warm Embrace on Chilly Days Recipe is ready to warm your heart and your belly!

How to Serve Chicken and Rice Soup – A Warm Embrace on Chilly Days Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley isn’t just pretty; it adds a vibrant, fresh note that lifts the entire soup. Feel free to experiment with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of cracked black pepper on top to add complexity. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also add a lovely salty richness that complements the tender chicken beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the warm, mellow flavors. Garlic bread or homemade soft dinner rolls also make the meal feel extra special and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family gathering, serve this soup in rustic bowls with a fresh sprig of parsley on top. Consider popping a crispy sage leaf or a swirl of creamy yogurt or sour cream for added texture and visual appeal. Serving it alongside small bowls of lemon wedges allows everyone to customize their tanginess to taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the rice from becoming too mushy. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

Chicken and rice soup freezes well, but the rice can sometimes get a bit softer after freezing and reheating. To prevent this, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it fresh when you reheat the soup. Store the broth, veggies, and chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you’ve frozen the components separately, add the cooked rice just before serving to keep its texture intact. A splash of broth or water can help loosen the soup if it thickens too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but it requires a longer cooking time. To use brown rice, add it earlier in the cooking process and extend the simmering by about 20-25 minutes until tender.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge and freezes nicely too. Just keep in mind to add rice fresh if freezing soup for best texture, or slightly undercook the rice during the initial cooking.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Of course! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the shredded chicken with your favorite plant-based protein or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas for a delicious, meat-free version.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and herbs or finish your bowl with a few drops of hot sauce. Fresh jalapeño slices or a pinch of cayenne pepper stirred in during cooking can also turn up the heat nicely.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Don’t worry! Dried parsley or other fresh herbs like cilantro or chives can easily substitute. They’ll provide a different but equally lovely herbal brightness to finish the soup.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a homemade bowl of chicken and rice soup, especially when it carries the warmth and comfort of this Chicken and Rice Soup – A Warm Embrace on Chilly Days Recipe. It’s a soulful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion when you want to feel cozy and cared for. I hope you’ll give it a try and share that heartfelt comfort with your loved ones.

Chicken and Rice Soup – A Warm Embrace on Chilly Days Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 36 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This comforting Chicken and Rice Soup is perfect for chilly days, offering a warm embrace of tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and hearty rice simmered in flavorful chicken broth. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this soup makes a satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs and Seasonings

1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Main Ingredients

8 cups chicken broth
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Garnish

Fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute until the mixture becomes fragrant, enhancing the soup’s aroma and taste.
Simmer the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked long-grain white rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender but not mushy.
Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and flavors meld.
Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Notes

You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken breasts for convenience.
For a gluten-free option, ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free.
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn according to your preference.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the herbs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American