Chicken And Rice Weeknight Soup

Name: Chicken And Rice Weeknight Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Highlighted under: Basic Quick Meals Inspiration

I absolutely love this Chicken And Rice Weeknight Soup! It’s my go-to recipe for those busy evenings when I need something quick, nourishing, and comforting. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables brings warmth to the table. Plus, it’s easily customizable. I often switch up the veggies based on what I have on hand, making it a flexible recipe that's perfect for any night of the week.

Created by

Linnea Porter

Last updated on 2026-02-15T04:21:36.003Z

Creating this Chicken And Rice Weeknight Soup was a delightful experience. I wanted to make a dish that would be both comforting and easy to prepare. The broth is rich and flavorful, thanks to simmering fresh herbs and spices with the chicken. One little tip I discovered is to use leftover rotisserie chicken; it cuts down on prep time significantly while still delivering an amazing depth of flavor.

As I enjoyed the first bowl, I realized how the combination of tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice brings back memories of family gatherings. I recommend adding a squeeze of lemon just before serving for a refreshing twist that elevates the entire dish!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly nights
Quick and easy to make, ready in about 40 minutes
Customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices

Making the Most of Your Ingredients

Choosing the right chicken is crucial for this soup. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein and quick cooking time. However, you can substitute thighs for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a couple of minutes longer to become tender. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it's fully cooked.

The variety of vegetables not only adds vibrant color but also essential nutrients. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas, depending on your preference. If you're short on time, you might consider using frozen vegetables; they can be added directly to the pot with the broth, making them an excellent alternative when fresh options aren't available.

Tips for Perfect Texture

To achieve the perfect consistency for your soup, the ratio of broth to rice is key. If you prefer a more traditional soup consistency, stick with one cup of cooked rice; for a heartier stew-like finish, consider adding a little more. Keep in mind that the rice will absorb some liquid as it sits, so if you're planning to enjoy leftovers, you may want to hold off on adding the full amount initially and add it when reheating.

When incorporating the spinach or kale, I recommend adding it during the last few minutes of cooking. This will ensure the greens remain vibrant and retain their nutrients, rather than overcooking and losing both texture and color. If you prefer a more pronounced flavor from the greens, sauté them briefly in a separate pan before adding them to the soup.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The soup can also be frozen for up to three months, though the texture of the rice may change slightly upon reheating. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of additional broth or water to restore its original consistency.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider serving this soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also elevate the comfort factor, turning this simple dish into a cozy meal that feels gourmet.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Make sure to have everything ready before starting!

Instructions

Follow these easy 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. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened.

Add Chicken

Stir in the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

Pour in Broth

Add the chicken broth and dried thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Add Rice and Greens

Stir in the cooked rice and spinach or kale. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and everything is heated through.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chicken And Rice Weeknight Soup!

Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of lemon juice before serving. You can also experiment by throwing in different vegetables or using a variety of spices based on your preference.

Versatile Variations

This Chicken And Rice Weeknight Soup is easily customizable, allowing it to fit different diets and ingredient availability. If you're looking for a lighter version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu; both provide protein while catering to vegetarian or vegan diets. Just ensure to sauté your chosen protein until it’s heated through before adding the broth.

You can also experiment with different spices to suit your palate. For instance, adding smoked paprika can introduce a lovely depth of flavor, or a pinch of cayenne could provide a nice kick. Don't hesitate to adjust the thyme with herbs like oregano or basil for a unique twist, showcasing the versatility of this soup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

During the cooking process, if the soup appears too thick, simply add more broth or water a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. In case the flavor isn't quite right, a dash of soy sauce or a bit of lemon zest can enhance the overall taste dynamics.

If you find that the chicken pieces appear tough after cooking, it might be due to excess heat during the sautéing phase. Always cook chicken over medium heat and be mindful of the timing. Cooking it just until no longer pink will ensure a tender texture, helping you avoid a chewy result.

Scaling the Recipe

Should you want to make this Chicken And Rice Weeknight Soup for a crowd, scaling the recipe is straightforward. For larger batches, you can double the ingredients and use a big pot to ensure even cooking. Just keep an eye on the simmering time; you may need to extend it slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly, especially with the increased volume.

For smaller servings, the soup can easily be halved, which is great if you’re cooking for one or two. When cutting down, note that the cooking times for sautéing vegetables and chicken may remain the same due to the pot's heat retention; just be sure not to overcrowd the pot, allowing for proper cooking without steaming the ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds even more flavor.

→ How can I make this soup gluten-free?

You can simply use gluten-free rice and ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

→ What can I substitute for rice?

You can use quinoa, farro, or even noodles as a substitute depending on your preferences.