A Hearty Comfort Food for Chilly Nights
When winter settles in and the air turns crisp, few meals are as satisfying as a warm bowl of chicken and rice soup. It’s a dish that feels like home—simple, comforting, and nourishing. I remember the first time I had a bowl of this soup during a snowstorm. The wind howled outside, but inside, I was wrapped in a cozy blanket with a steaming bowl of soup in my hands. The warmth from the soup spread through me, soothing not only my body but also my soul. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma, beckoning everyone to come together and enjoy something homemade and heartwarming. Chicken and rice soup is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style—especially on cold, dreary days.
Classic Chicken and Rice Soup
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded
- 1/2 cup white rice uncooked
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and carrots, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add rice and simmer until tender.
- Add shredded chicken, season, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to release their sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked white rice, reduce the heat, and let it simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed some of the broth. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Once the rice is cooked, add the shredded chicken, and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This is the time to adjust the seasoning, if needed.
If the soup gets too thick as it sits, feel free to add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Serve the soup hot in bowls, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. This soup is the perfect dish to cozy up with on a cold winter night.
Conclusion
Chicken and rice soup is the ultimate winter comfort food. It’s simple to make, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking to soothe a cold or just enjoy a warm, hearty meal, this soup is the perfect choice. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and soft rice, it offers everything you need to feel nourished and cozy. This classic recipe is bound to become a staple in your home, offering warmth and comfort with every bowl.