Cozy Winter Chicken Rice Soup (Printable Version)

Hearty bowl of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vegetables in savory broth

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 3 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Rice

07 - 3/4 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Broth & Seasoning

08 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
11 - 2 bay leaves
12 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

→ Finishing Touches

14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
15 - Juice of 1/2 lemon, optional

# How To Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
04 - Add the rinsed rice, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
05 - Remove chicken breasts from the pot, shred with two forks, and return the meat to the soup.
06 - Discard bay leaves. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice if using. Adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It is a one pot miracle that leaves you with almost no dishes to scrub after dinner.
  • The rice absorbs the broth in a way that makes every spoonful feel incredibly hearty.
02 -
  • Wait to salt the soup until the very end because the broth concentrates as it boils.
  • Rice continues to soak up liquid even after the heat is off so have extra broth ready.
03 -
  • Save your parmesan rinds and toss one into the broth for a deep umami backbone.
  • Rinsing the rice in a fine mesh sieve is the secret to a clear and beautiful broth.
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