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Chicken and rice soup is one of those meals that always feels like a good idea. It is warm, filling, and easy to make with simple ingredients you may already have at home. On busy nights, sick days, cold evenings, or just when you want something comforting without too much effort, this kind of soup can be a real help. It is also flexible enough to fit many tastes, which makes it great for families.
I like chicken and rice soup because it gives you a full meal in one bowl. You get tender chicken, soft rice, vegetables, and a flavorful broth all together. Some versions are light and simple, while others are creamy, lemony, spicy, or packed with extra vegetables. That means you can keep it classic or change it up when you want something a little different.
This list will help you find chicken and rice soup recipes for all kinds of moods and meals. Some are easy weeknight options, some feel extra cozy, and some are perfect when you want something a little brighter or heartier. No matter what kind of soup you like, there is something here worth trying.
1. Classic Chicken and Rice Soup

This is the kind of soup that always works when you want something simple and comforting. It has all the familiar flavors people expect from a warm homemade chicken soup.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Recipe Steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot and cook the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Add the rice and simmer until it is tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, heat through, finish with parsley, and serve hot.
2. Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

This version feels extra cozy and filling. The creamy broth makes it especially good for cold nights when you want something comforting.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Recipe Steps:
- Melt the butter in a large pot and cook the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add the broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and rice, then simmer until the rice is tender.
- Stir the flour into the milk or cream until smooth.
- Add the chicken and cream mixture to the soup, cook until slightly thickened, and serve.
3. Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

The lemon gives this soup a fresh finish that keeps it from feeling too heavy. It is bright, cozy, and easy to enjoy.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Add the broth, oregano, salt, pepper, and rice, then simmer until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and lemon juice.
- Finish with parsley and serve hot.
4. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Wild rice gives this soup a deeper flavor and a chewier texture. It feels hearty without being too heavy.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms in butter until softened.
- Add the broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and wild rice.
- Simmer until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the chicken and milk or cream, heat through, and serve.
5. Chicken Rice Vegetable Soup

This is a good soup when you want to get a little more out of one pot. The extra vegetables make it colorful, filling, and practical for dinner.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Add the broth, salt, pepper, and rice, then simmer until the rice is nearly tender.
- Stir in the chicken, peas, corn, and green beans.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender and serve hot.
6. Chicken and Brown Rice Soup

Brown rice gives this soup a little more texture and makes it feel extra hearty. It is a nice option when you want something simple but filling.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Add the broth, brown rice, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the chicken, finish with parsley, and serve.
7. Chicken and Rice Soup with Spinach

Spinach is an easy way to add color and freshness to this soup. It still feels cozy, but a little lighter at the same time.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- 3 cups spinach
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the onion, carrots, and celery in oil until softened.
- Add the broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and rice, then simmer until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and spinach.
- Cook until the spinach wilts, then serve.
8. Chicken and Rice Soup with Mushrooms

Mushrooms add a deeper, earthy flavor to the broth. This is a nice choice when you want something comforting with a little more richness.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Recipe Steps:
- Melt the butter and cook the onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms until softened.
- Add the broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and rice.
- Simmer until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the chicken, heat through, and serve.
9. Chicken and Rice Tomato Soup

The tomato gives this soup a brighter flavor while still keeping it comforting. It is a good change when you want something a little different from the usual broth.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Add the tomatoes, broth, rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the chicken, heat through, and serve hot.
10. Chicken and Rice Soup with Corn

Corn adds a little sweetness that works really well in this soup. It is simple, family-friendly, and easy to make.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- 1 1/2 cups corn
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the onion, carrots, and celery in butter until softened.
- Add the broth, rice, salt, and pepper, then simmer until the rice is nearly tender.
- Stir in the chicken and corn.
- Finish with parsley and serve hot.
11. Chicken and Rice Soup with Peas

Peas make this soup feel a little sweeter and more colorful. It is an easy way to add extra vegetables without changing the soup too much.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup peas
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the onion, carrots, and celery in oil until softened.
- Add the broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and rice.
- Simmer until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the chicken and peas, cook for a few more minutes, and serve.
12. Chicken and Rice Soup with Zucchini

Zucchini keeps this soup light and fresh while still making it feel like a full meal. It is a nice warm-weather version too.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Add the broth, oregano, salt, pepper, and rice.
- Simmer until the rice is almost tender.
- Stir in the zucchini and chicken, cook until the zucchini is tender, and serve.
13. Spicy Chicken and Rice Soup

This soup has a little heat, but it still keeps that comforting chicken and rice base. It is a good choice when you want something cozy with more flavor.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the onion, pepper, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Add the tomatoes, broth, rice, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the chicken, finish with cilantro, and serve hot.
14. Garlic Chicken and Rice Soup

If you love garlic, this soup is a very easy way to add more flavor without making the recipe complicated. It is simple, warm, and very satisfying.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Recipe Steps:
- Melt the butter in a soup pot and cook the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add the broth, salt, pepper, and rice.
- Simmer until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the chicken, finish with parsley, and serve.
15. Chicken and Rice Soup with Dill

Dill gives this soup a fresh taste that works beautifully with chicken. It feels classic, but just a little more lively.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
- Salt
- Black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Add the broth, rice, salt, and pepper, then simmer until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the chicken and chopped dill.
- Heat through and serve hot.















