Healthy Chicken and Rice Soup (Printable)

Wholesome chicken, vegetables, and rice simmered together in one pot for a hearty meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish

→ Grains

08 - 2/3 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

→ Fats

16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in chicken pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until lightly browned. They will finish cooking during simmering.
04 - Add rice, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
07 - Check seasoning and add more salt or pepper if needed. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley.
08 - Discard bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pot convenience means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
  • Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains for a balanced meal
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs
  • Ready in just 50 minutes from start to finish
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy meal prep
02 -
  • Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level to your taste
  • Don't skip the lemon juice—it adds a fresh, bright note that balances the richness
  • Cut vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator
  • This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; just note that the rice texture may soften slightly upon reheating
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