Microwave Chicken Soup
A quick and comforting microwave chicken soup featuring tender chicken strips, mushrooms, carrots, and celery in a flavorful broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or when craving a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort and clean-up, this soup delivers satisfying flavors in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced carrot ⓘ
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (approximately 3 oz. each) ⓘ
- 2 cups hot water ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup uncooked instant rice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon, dry ⓘ
Instructions
- Place mushrooms, celery, carrot, and margarine in a 1-quart casserole.
- Cover tightly and microwave on High (100%) until vegetables are tender, about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.
- Cut chicken breasts into 1/4-inch strips.
- Stir chicken, hot water, dried thyme, sliced rice, instant chicken bouillon, and cooked vegetables into the casserole.
- Cover tightly and microwave until boiling, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or other vegetables like peas or corn. If you don't have instant rice, regular rice can be used, but adjust cooking time accordingly. You can substitute butter with olive oil for a healthier fat option. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also enhance the flavor, making it a Very Good Soup.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is delicious on its own but can be served with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Consider pairing it with a simple green salad or toasted garlic bread to enhance your dining experience. This recipe is great for a quick lunch or dinner, perfect for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in a covered bowl, adding a splash of water if the soup thickens. Stir occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 2 months; just remember to thaw it overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Chicken Soup contains roughly 402 calories, with 8g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1322mg per serving (57% 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken can save time and add extra flavor. Just shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it during step 4, reducing the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking the meat.
What can I use instead of instant chicken bouillon?
If you don't have instant chicken bouillon, you can use homemade chicken stock or broth. Just replace the hot water with the same amount of stock, adjusting the seasoning as needed. This will enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of water. You could also add extra veggies or legumes like chickpeas for protein, making it a satisfying vegetarian option.
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).