Name: Chicken and Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion (diced); 3 large carrots (peeled and diced); 1 rib celery (diced); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves; 5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (uncooked); 1 cup brown rice; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup evaporated milk (or cream, optional)

Chicken and Rice Soup is a cozy, homemade meal that’s easy to make and always hits the spot. Tender chicken, hearty brown rice, and vegetables simmer together in one pot for a flavorful, comforting soup. Keep it brothy or stir in a little cream for a rich finish.

Serve it with crusty no-knead bread or fluffy dinner rolls and a simple green salad.

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Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Chicken and Rice Soup

Flavor: Savory, comforting flavor with tender chicken, brown rice, sweet carrots, and subtle notes of garlic, parsley, and thyme.
Why Make It: Cooking the chicken and rice directly in the broth builds rich flavor while keeping cleanup easy.
Budget Friendly: Rice and vegetables help stretch two chicken breasts into six hearty servings.

Total Time: 45 Mins Servings: 6 Cooking Method: Stovetop

Total Time:: 45 mins
Serves:: 6 servings
Rating:: 4.9/5

Ingredient Notes

Chicken and rice soup ingredients labeled: onion, garlic, oil, broth, parsley, thyme, cream, chicken, carrots, celery, and rice.

Vegetables: Cut the carrots and celery into small, even pieces so they cook evenly and you get tender vegetables in every spoonful. Use prechopped vegetables to save prep time, or stir in frozen mixed vegetables towards the end.
Chicken Broth: Reduced-sodium broth or homemade chicken stock gives you more control over the salt level. Keep extra on hand at the end to add if the soup is too thick.
Chicken Breasts: Use raw, boneless, skinless chicken breasts so they can cook directly in the broth and shred easily. Boneless chicken thighs are another option; just check that they are cooked through before shredding.
- For an easy shortcut, add shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken breasts once the rice is tender.
Brown Rice: Use uncooked long-grain brown rice. Different varieties can have different cooking times. Instant rice is not a direct substitute.
Evaporated Milk or Cream (Optional): Add evaporated milk for a lighter soup, or heavy cream for a richer, creamier soup. Be sure to use evaporated milk, not sweetened condensed milk.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup

cooking carrots in a pot for chicken for chicken and rice soup.

Sauté the vegetables and add the seasonings.

ingredients in a pot for chicken for chicken and rice soup.

Add broth, chicken, and rice (full recipe below). Simmer.

shredding chicken for chicken and rice soup.

Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.

Prefer to use your slow cooker? Try my Crockpot chicken and rice soup.

Add Garlic at the Right Time: Add the garlic after the vegetables have softened to help prevent it from burning.
Keep a Gentle Simmer: Maintain a gentle simmer to keep the chicken tender as it cooks.
Check the Chicken Separately: Check the chicken separately from the rice. If it reaches 165°F first, remove it from the pot while the rice continues cooking.
Check Rice for Doneness: Taste the rice to make sure it is tender rather than relying only on the cooking time.
Add Cream at the End: Stir in the evaporated milk or cream at the end and warm the soup gently.

Serving from a pot of chicken and rice soup with bread.

Save It for Later

Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 4 months. Leave out the dairy when possible and add it after reheating.
Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring and adding broth as needed.

More Chicken Soup Favorites

Chicken Wild Rice Soup (no cream)

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Dumpling Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Did you enjoy this Chicken and Rice Soup? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

savory Chicken and Rice Soup in the pot with a ladle and writing.

Chicken and Rice Soup in the pot with a ladle and close up photo with a title.

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Chicken, Lunch, Recipes, Soups & Stews, Videos

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. She is also the author of the best selling cookbook “Everyday Comfort,” which delivers hearty, home-cooked meals designed for real life.
See more posts by Holly