You know how sometimes you just crave that warm, fuzzy feeling? That’s what comfort food is all about! And for me, nothing hits the spot quite like a big bowl of soup. We’re talking ultimate coziness right here. And today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe: the Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup. It’s the perfect embodiment of everything I love about simple, feel-good cooking. Seriously, this soup is easy, versatile, and the whole family gobbles it up!
I can still remember my grandma making this soup for me when I was a kid. It always made me feel better. Whenever I’m feeling under the weather, stressed, or just plain tired, this Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup is my cure-all. It’s magic in a bowl, truly.
Why You’ll Love This *Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup*
Okay, so let me tell you why I’m obsessed with this soup — and why you will be too! This Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup checks all the boxes, trust me:
- It’s super quick to make, perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients – nothing fancy here!
- You can totally customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand.
- It’s amazing for meal prep – big batch = easy lunches all week!
- My whole family, even the picky eaters, are obsessed.
- And the best part? It’s naturally gluten-free! Wow!
Ingredients for the Best *Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup*
Alright, so here’s what you’ll need to make this magical Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup. Don’t worry, it’s all easy-peasy stuff, I promise! You probably have most of this already. Here are the stars of the show:
- 1 tablespoon of good olive oil – extra virgin is my go-to.
- 1 cup chopped onion – white or yellow, your pick!
- 1 cup chopped carrots – I love the color they add!
- 1 cup chopped celery – the unsung hero of this soup.
- 4 cups of chicken broth – quality matters here!
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – leftover rotisserie chicken? Perfect!
- ½ cup uncooked long-grain rice – I usually have this on hand, but you can swap in brown rice, too, if you like.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – don’t be shy!
Feel free to toss in other veggies too, like a handful of peas or some chopped zucchini!
Equipment Needed to Make *Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup*
Okay, so don’t run off to your kitchen just yet! You’ll need a few things to get started, but nothing too crazy, I promise. Gathering these things now will make the whole process a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup:
- A big ol’ pot or a Dutch oven.
- A trusty cutting board – gotta chop those veggies somewhere.
- A good knife – a sharp one makes all the difference!
- Measuring cups and spoons – for getting those ingredient amounts right.
That’s it! Pretty simple, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make *Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup*
Okay, friends, let’s get down to the fun part: actually making this amazing Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup! Don’t worry, it’s super simple, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a cozy bowl of deliciousness in no time.
Preparing the Vegetables
First things first, we gotta prep those veggies! This is important, so put on some music and try to enjoy it! Grab your onion, carrots, and celery. Dice them up! Aim for roughly the same size pieces so they cook evenly – nobody wants a crunchy carrot chunk! Even chopping is key, my friends. Careful, it splatters!
Cooking the Soup Base
Now, let’s get those veggies softening up in the pot! Heat that olive oil in your pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re softened but not browned. You want them to get all fragrant and release their flavors. Stir it often so nothing sticks. Yum!
Adding the Broth, Chicken, and Rice
Next up, it’s time to build those soup flavors! Pour in your chicken broth. Then, add in that lovely shredded cooked chicken. And finally, dump in your uncooked rice. Stir it all up nicely to combine everything. Give it another little stir and get ready to enjoy it, you’re almost there!
Simmering and Seasoning Your *Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup*
Now, bring your soup to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through. Taste it, and then season generously with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and adjust the seasoning based on your taste. Delicious!
Tips for Success with Your *Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup*
Okay, so you want to make this Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup totally amazing, right? Trust me, I got you! Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years that take it from good to *WOW!*
- First, quality chicken broth is key. Don’t skimp here; it makes a huge difference!
- Leftover roast chicken? Perfect! Use that to amp up the flavor.
- Want a different texture? Play around with the rice type!
- And don’t forget fresh herbs! A sprinkle of parsley or thyme at the end is like the cherry on top.
You’ll be a soup pro in no time!
Variations for Your *Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup*
Ready to jazz up your Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup and make it your own? Oh, the possibilities! This soup is like a blank canvas just begging for your creative touch. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
- Toss in some extra veggies: zucchini, spinach, or even a handful of frozen peas — yum!
- Spice things up with different herbs and spices like thyme, a bay leaf, or even a pinch of garlic powder.
- For a bright, zesty finish, squeeze in a little lemon juice at the very end.
Seriously, go crazy and experiment! You can’t mess this up, I swear!
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips for *Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup*
Okay, so listen, sometimes life gets crazy, and you don’t always have time to cook, right? Don’t worry, even if you can’t eat the Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup right away, I’ve got your back! This soup is PERFECT for making ahead or freezing for later – hello, meal prep win!
If you’re making it ahead, just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it! Spoon it into freezer-safe bags or containers and it will last you for a couple of months. To thaw, just pop it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Easy peasy!
Serving Suggestions for *Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup*
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup, now what? Well, you gotta think about the sides! I love to keep it simple, so here are my favorite pairings. You know, to round out the meal and make it truly comforting. Trust me, it adds even more deliciousness!
- Crusty bread for dipping is always a winner!
- A simple side salad adds some freshness and crunch.
- And sometimes, I go all out and serve it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich (don’t tell anyone, but I dip it in the soup!).
Honestly, the possibilities are endless. But those are my go-to’s!
Nutritional Information for *Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup*
Heads up, everyone! The nutritional info below is just an estimate, okay? It totally depends on the brands and ingredients you use. Things can vary a little, but it’s a good guide!
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Chicken & Rice Comfort Soup
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple soup with chicken, rice, and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened.
- Pour in chicken broth.
- Add chicken and rice.
- Simmer until rice is cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables.
- Use leftover cooked chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken soup, rice soup, comfort food, easy soup