Chicken And Rice Soup
A comforting chicken and rice soup featuring tender chicken, aromatic celery, and savory broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it offers gentle flavors with a satisfying texture. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this dish suits all ages and can be easily customized with additional herbs or vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced celery and cook, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add savory.
- Season the mixture well with salt and pepper as desired.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the rinsed and drained rice, stir, and cook, partly covered, for 10 minutes over medium heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing onions or garlic along with the celery. If you prefer a heartier soup, you can substitute the long grain rice with wild rice or even add diced carrots or peas. For a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be included. Adjust the seasoning gradually to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and rice soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Chicken Croissants for a comforting lunch. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken and rice soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much. Avoid reheating it in the microwave, as it may become unevenly heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Rice Soup contains roughly 563 calories, with 66g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (132% of the Daily Value) and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2382mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken instead of raw chicken breast?
Yes, using leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken will save time. Just add it to the soup towards the end of cooking to heat through, ensuring it remains tender.
Is it possible to make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time, but it's best to add the rice just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready.
Can I freeze this chicken and rice soup?
While you can freeze the soup, the texture of the rice may not hold up well. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the rice and adding it fresh when reheating. It will ensure a better texture upon serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).