One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that practically made itself in one pot, you’re going to love this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time — it’s warm, flavorful, and perfect for everything from busy weeknights to those lazy weekends when you want something easy but still nourishing. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make it super simple and delicious.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe leans on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that blend beautifully — chicken, rice, and fresh veggies — nothing too fancy, but each one plays a crucial part in the soup’s comforting flavor. When shopping, try to grab fresh celery and carrots, and don’t skip the lemon juice, as it brightens everything up.

• Bone-in chicken breasts: The bones are key for enriching the broth’s flavor and keeping the chicken juicy as it cooks.
• Long-grain white rice (like basmati): Basmati adds a nice texture without getting mushy, but any long-grain rice works.
• Celery ribs: They bring subtle freshness and a bit of crunch to balance the softness of rice.
• Carrots: Sweetness and color come from carrots, and dicing them small helps them cook evenly.
• Onion: A little onion gives depth to the broth — make sure it’s finely diced so it melts into the soup.
• Garlic cloves: Whole cloves to infuse flavor, then mashed for a gentle garlic kick.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors — start with a teaspoon and adjust after cooking.
• Ground black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and spice.
• Chicken stock: Unsalted or low sodium gives you full control over salting the soup.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brings a fresh, tangy brightness that lifts the entire soup.
• Chopped fresh parsley: For garnishing — adds a pop of color and herbaceous flavor.

Variations

I love tweaking recipes to fit whatever’s in my fridge or my family’s preferences. Feel free to customize this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe — it’s endlessly adaptable and forgiving, making it perfect for experimenting.

• Adding greens: I often toss in chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes for extra nutrients and color.
• Using brown rice: For a nuttier flavor and more fiber, switch to brown rice, just expect a longer simmer time.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or Cajun spices adds a nice kick.
• Vegetarian swap: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth with mushrooms for a rich, comforting veggie version.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Assemble and Simmer the Soup

Start by combining the chicken breasts, rice, diced celery, carrots, onion, whole garlic cloves, salt, and pepper in your largest pot. Pour in the chicken stock and crank the heat until it reaches a full boil. I like to keep an eye on it as this happens because once it boils, you want to reduce the heat immediately to a gentle simmer. This slow simmer keeps the chicken tender and prevents the rice from turning mushy.

Step 2: Simmer and Skim Foam

Let the soup simmer for about 25 minutes, but don’t forget to check in at around 10 minutes and skim off any foam that rises to the surface with a spoon. It keeps the broth clear and clean-tasting, which I learned the hard way when I didn’t skim the first time I made this! The rice and veggies should be tender, and the chicken fully cooked through at this point.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Add Garlic Paste

Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the chicken breasts and garlic cloves from the pot. Place the chicken in a bowl and shred it using two forks — it should pull apart easily. Discard the bones. Now take those softened garlic cloves and mash them into a paste using a fork or the flat side of your knife on a cutting board. Stir this garlicky paste right back into the soup for a mellow, rich garlic flavor that’s not overpowering.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Stir in the fresh lemon juice — it’s my favorite part because it lifts the soup with just a hint of brightness. Taste the soup and add more salt or lemon juice if needed to balance the flavor to your liking. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a herbaceous touch that makes it look as good as it tastes.

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always stick with chopped fresh parsley because it adds a nice fresh touch, but sometimes I throw on a few thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an umami boost. Whatever you choose, fresh herbs elevate the whole experience.

Side Dishes

Since this soup is quite hearty, I like to keep the sides simple — crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are my go-tos to mop up every last drop. For a heartier meal, a crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party or a fun family meal, I sometimes serve this soup in mini bread bowls — just hollow out small round loaves, ladle the soup in, and watch everyone’s faces light up. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add flair for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps well for about a week, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

Freezing this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe works great, though I recommend slightly undercooking the rice if you plan to freeze it — that way it doesn’t get mushy when you reheat. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and it’ll keep up to 3 months.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick. This helps maintain the soup’s creamy texture without drying out the rice or chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s just so reliably comforting and easy. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day but also comes together so effortlessly — perfect for busy schedules or when you need a little kitchen calm. You’ll find that once you make it a few times, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to again and again. I really hope you give this a try and see just how scrumptious and simple homemade soup can be!

Print