One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl that’s effortless yet totally satisfying, you’ve got to try this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, but it’s surprisingly quick and easy to pull together. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—tender chicken, fluffy rice, and just the right balance of savory and bright flavors all simmered in one pot. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to weeknight soup.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe are straightforward and pantry-friendly. They all work beautifully together to build deep, comforting flavors without any fuss. Plus, using bone-in chicken breasts ensures the broth stays rich and satisfying.

• Bone-in chicken breasts: Using bone-in adds extra flavor to the broth that boneless just can’t match.
• Long-grain white rice: Basmati or similar rice keeps perfectly fluffy in the soup without getting mushy.
• Celery: Dice small for that subtle aromatic crunch.
• Carrots: Peeled and diced, they melt into tender sweetness.
• Onion: A classic soup base for adding depth and savoriness.
• Garlic cloves: Left whole for slow infusing, then mashed for an extra punch.
• Salt and black pepper: Seasoning is key—start with the basics and adjust at the end.
• Chicken stock: Unsalted or low-sodium lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
• Lemon juice: Adds a fresh zing that brightens this cozy soup.
• Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and herbaceous finish when serving.

Variations

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to tweak it to your taste! Over the years, I’ve played around with different veggies and flavors to keep it interesting while still staying simple.

• Add greens: Toss in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a healthy boost. I do this when I want to sneak in extra nutrients without complicating things.
• Skip the rice: Prefer a lower-carb option? Substitute cauliflower rice or just add extra veggies.
• Use different chicken cuts: Thighs work great too if you want juicier meat, just adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds an unexpected kick that my family loves on cooler nights.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Simmer Everything Together

Start by combining your chicken breasts, rice, chopped celery, carrots, onions, whole garlic cloves, salt, and pepper in a large pot. Pour in the chicken stock and crank the heat to bring it to a boil. I like to use a wide pot here so everything has room to cook evenly. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This is your magic moment where flavors start to mingle; patience is key.

Step 2: Simmer and Skim for a Clear Broth

Let the soup simmer for about 25 minutes, but keep an eye on it. You’ll notice some foam floating on the surface—that’s totally normal. Just skim it off with a spoon to keep your broth clear and clean tasting. This step makes a big difference in the final texture and appearance. The rice will soften, veggies will turn tender, and the chicken will cook through.

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Finish Garlic Paste

With a slotted spoon or tongs, carefully remove the chicken breasts and garlic cloves from the pot. Shred the chicken using two forks—you’ll feel like a pro after the first few times. Discard the bones, then return the shredded chicken to the pot. Now for the garlic: smash those softened cloves into a paste on your cutting board using a fork or the flat side of your knife, and stir that flavor back into your soup. This little trick really amps up the garlic punch in a mellow, comforting way.

Step 4: Brighten and Season to Taste

Finally, stir in the fresh lemon juice. This brightness adds a perfect counterpoint to the savory broth and tender chicken. Taste the soup carefully—it should be rich, just a hint salty, with that lovely lemon zing. Feel free to adjust salt and lemon juice as needed. Serve hot, sprinkled generously with chopped fresh parsley to finish. You’ll find these simple steps make the soup irresistible with every spoonful.

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about fresh parsley sprinkled on top—that fresh herbal note pairs perfectly with the lemony broth. Sometimes I add a handful of chopped scallions or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper. For a little creaminess, a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top is surprisingly wonderful, especially on chilly nights.

Side Dishes

A crusty baguette or some buttery garlic toast makes a lovely side, perfect for dipping. Or keep it light with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to echo the soup’s brightness. My family loves pairing this soup with warm corn muffins for a cozy, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in rustic bread bowls—it’s such a fun treat and makes the meal feel extra special. Another idea is to layer the shredded chicken and rice under a ladle of broth before sprinkling parsley, adding a pretty presentation that guests always notice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to one week. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld more. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it stays vibrant and tasty for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

I like reheating on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly without overcooking the rice. If it’s too thick, just splash in a little water or stock to loosen it up. Microwave works too; just cover and heat in bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it delivers comforting satisfaction with minimal effort. I love that I can throw all the ingredients in one pot and end up with a dish that feels homemade, hearty, and nourishing. If you’re looking for a soup that hits all the right notes without complicated steps or fancy ingredients, give this one a go. I promise, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, especially when you want that cozy, feel-good meal.

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