This cozy White Chicken Rice Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and tasty vegetables, it’s perfect for chilly days!
Making this soup is easy! Just simmer everything together and savor the comforting flavors. I love slurping it up while wrapped in a blanket – pure comfort! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: I usually prefer olive oil for its unique flavor and health benefits, but butter adds a nice richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, go with a plant-based butter.
Onion: The onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup. You can swap it for shallots for a milder flavor, or use leeks if you want something different.
Chicken Broth: Homemade chicken broth is always great but store-bought works just fine. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter version or to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Rice: I like using white rice for its fluffy texture, but brown rice can be a healthier substitute. Just note that brown rice will require a longer cooking time.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut! If you don’t have any, leftover chicken or turkey works well too. For a plant-based option, try diced tofu or chickpeas.
How Do I Make Sure My Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking rice in soup can be tricky as it can become mushy if overcooked. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium heat for a gentle cook.
- Stir occasionally to help the rice cook evenly without sticking.
- Cook only until the rice is tender—about 15-20 minutes—then turn off the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes; it will continue to absorb some liquid.
If using brown rice, add it earlier in the cooking process to ensure it cooks through by the time the soup is ready. Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!
How to Make White Chicken Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 1/2 cups white rice (medium or long grain)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup can be prepared in about 10 minutes and will take around 25-30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of roughly 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner while also being comforting and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery if you’re using it. SautĂ© the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You want it to smell wonderful but be careful not to burn it!
3. Boil the Broth:
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This will help everything blend together and infuse the flavors.
4. Cook the Rice:
Once boiling, add the rice and dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), stirring everything together. Lower the heat to a simmer, and let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. Add the Chicken:
After the rice is cooked, gently stir in the shredded chicken. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes just to heat the chicken through.
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and black pepper as desired. If you want a bit of brightness, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the soup. This adds a beautiful flavor! Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the hot soup immediately. It’s perfect on its own or with a slice of crusty bread. Enjoy your comforting and hearty White Chicken Rice Soup!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand is a great way to save time. Just shred or chop it up and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free or lower-carb option, try using cauliflower rice instead! Just add it in during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, brown rice works well but may require an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do so on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can also add extra veggies or beans for protein and texture!
