Chicken And Rice Weeknight Soup

Name: Chicken And Rice Weeknight Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Ready-to-Go Meals

I love a good weeknight soup, especially when it’s packed with comforting flavors and takes only about 30 minutes to make. This Chicken and Rice Weeknight Soup is a family favorite that brings warmth to our table. The hearty broth, tender chicken, and fluffy rice come together to create a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whenever I need a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is my go-to, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-02-14T22:59:36.133Z

One evening, I found myself with a busy schedule but craving something hearty for dinner. I threw together this Chicken and Rice Weeknight Soup using leftover chicken and pantry staples. The results were so satisfying that it quickly became a staple in our household!

This soup is not only delicious; it's incredibly versatile. I often customize it based on what I have on hand—sometimes adding vegetables or different spices—making it a meal I can create with ease and confidence!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights
Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite vegetables

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of vegetables in this soup is essential not only for flavor but also for nutrition. The onion, garlic, carrots, and celery provide a savory base, known as a mirepoix, which adds depth to the broth. Make sure to cook these vegetables until they are soft and fragrant, typically around 5 minutes, to maximize their flavor contribution. Fresh garlic will offer a sharper flavor, while sautéing it with the onion helps to mellow it out.

Using cooked chicken simplifies the process significantly. A rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut here; simply shred it into bite-sized pieces for a quicker meal. If you have leftover grilled or roasted chicken, that works too. Just ensure it is heated through in the simmering broth to prevent any food safety issues. If preferred, this soup can be made vegetarian by substituting the chicken with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms or chickpeas, along with vegetable broth.

Making the Perfect Broth

The broth is the heart of this soup, and achieving a rich flavor is crucial. When adding the broth to the pot, allow it to come to a vigorous boil before adding the chicken and seasonings. This can take about 5-10 minutes on medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer to let the flavors meld together for about 10 minutes. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning levels, as some broths can be saltier than others based on brand and preparation.

If you're looking for a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the broth. Additionally, the dried thyme in this recipe offers a warm, earthy note. However, if you don’t have thyme, you can replace it with Italian seasoning or even fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley, adjusting quantities to your taste.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious soup:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup cooked rice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your soup:

Sauté the vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Add the broth and chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, add the shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Stir in the rice

Add the cooked rice to the pot and stir well. Allow it to heat through for another 5 minutes.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your homemade Chicken and Rice Weeknight Soup!

Don’t forget to save any leftovers for an easy lunch tomorrow!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. You can also substitute cooked quinoa or couscous for rice, adapting this soup to your preferences.

Storing and Reheating

This Chicken and Rice Weeknight Soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. If you're prepping for later, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Just remember that the rice may absorb some broth during storage, so you might want to add a splash of water or extra broth when reheating.

To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it reaches a gentle boil. For microwave reheating, pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it slightly, and heat it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on it to avoid boiling over. This flexibility ensures that you can enjoy a warm bowl of comfort anytime!

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup hot, and consider pairing it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the freshness of the dish. If you want a bit of heat, a few dashes of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile beautifully, balancing the richness of the broth.

For added texture and nutrition, top each bowl with a handful of fresh spinach or kale just before serving. The gentle heat from the soup will wilt the greens slightly without losing their vibrant color or nutrients. This is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal and gives a lovely contrast to the tender chicken and soft rice.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use uncooked chicken in the soup?

Yes, you can add uncooked chicken pieces to the pot with the sautéed vegetables and let them cook through in the broth before adding the rice.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include peas, corn, or diced potatoes as they complement the flavors beautifully.

→ How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and choose rice or gluten-free grains to replace regular rice.

→ Can this recipe be made in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup ahead of time, just add the rice when you’re ready to serve it to prevent it from becoming mushy.