Homemade Chicken Rice Soup
A comforting homemade chicken rice soup featuring tender chicken, creamy broth, and hearty rice, perfect for cozy meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil the whole chicken until cooked, then debone and set aside.
- Add the cream of chicken soup and chopped onion to the pot.
- Return the deboned chicken to the pot.
- Add rice to the mixture and cook until the rice is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while boiling the chicken. You can substitute the whole chicken with rotisserie chicken for faster preparation. Brown rice can be used instead of regular rice, but increase the cooking time slightly. For a heartier soup, throw in some diced carrots or celery.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken rice soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. This comforting dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For an additional flavor boost, consider serving alongside a bowl of Broccoli Soup(4 Servings) for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it until heated through, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Chicken Rice Soup contains roughly 299 calories, with 8g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1100mg per serving (48% 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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great way to save time. Just shred the chicken and add it to the pot after cooking the onion and cream of chicken soup. This will reduce the cooking time significantly and still give you a delicious soup.
What kind of rice is best for chicken rice soup?
Long-grain white rice is typically preferred for its texture and cooking time, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier option. Just remember that brown rice will take longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I freeze the chicken rice soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed.
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).