One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup

Name: One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon

Highlighted under: Hearty Home Cooking

I love making One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup because it brings together all the comforting flavors of home in a single pot. Every time I prepare this dish, I appreciate how easy it is to whip up a hearty meal that warms me from the inside out. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when I want to spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying a delicious bowl of soup. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, I create a dish that's nourishing and satisfying.

Created by

Andrea

Last updated on 2026-01-20T11:26:28.146Z

One memorable evening, I decided to make a comforting soup using whatever I had in my pantry. The result was a delightful One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup that quickly became a family favorite. I discovered that sautéing the vegetables first really brings out their natural sweetness, making the broth flavorful without needing excessive seasoning.

Over time, I perfected my method by adding fresh herbs at the end for a vibrant aroma. The balance of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and hearty vegetables makes this soup fulfilling and perfect for any day. I encourage you to try it and make it your own!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A comforting and hearty meal, all in one pot
Packed with protein and nutritious vegetables
Perfectly seasoned for a cozy, satisfying dish

      

Perfecting the Base Flavors

The base of this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup relies heavily on the aromatic blend of onion, carrots, and celery. Sautéing these vegetables first allows them to caramelize slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness and developing depth of flavor. Make sure to cook them until they’re softened, which typically takes about 5 minutes over medium heat. A little browning is desirable; it adds a rich undertone to the soup that vibrant, fresh ingredients alone cannot achieve.

Garlic is introduced just before the chicken, infusing its aromatic flavor throughout the dish. Mincing the garlic ensures that it fully releases its oils, which can often be missed with larger pieces. To avoid burning the garlic, adding it after the base vegetables allows you to maintain its delicate flavor without bitterness. Cook it for only 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Essential Cooking Techniques

Cooking the chicken properly is crucial for the success of this soup. Diced chicken breast should be cooked until no longer pink, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the pieces are uniform in size to allow for even cooking, and be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as this can lead to steaming rather than searing. Browning the chicken slightly also enhances the overall flavor of the soup, adding complexity to each bite.

Once you add the chicken broth and rice, carefully monitor the simmering stage. Bringing the mixture to a boil at the start infuses the rice with flavor, while reducing the heat to a gentle simmer prevents overcooking. The rice will need approximately 20 minutes of simmering to absorb the broth and achieve a perfect texture—tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Serving and Storage Tips

This soup is not only a warm and comforting meal but versatile when it comes to serving. You can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving for an extra layer of flavor. It's excellent on its own, but for a heartier meal, consider pairing it with crusty bread for dipping or a fresh garden salad to add some crunch.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes well—allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-friendly container. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup, as the rice will absorb some of the liquid during storage. To reheat, gently warm over medium heat, stirring until heated through. Always taste and adjust seasoning after reheating, as flavors may mellow.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound chicken breast, diced
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon

Make sure to have all the ingredients ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

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

Cook the Chicken

Add the minced garlic and diced chicken breast to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink.

Add Broth and Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and add the rice, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Finish with Spinach and Lemon

Stir in the chopped spinach and lemon juice. Allow it to cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.

Your One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup is ready to be served!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or adding a splash of soy sauce. Adjust the thickness by adding more or less broth depending on your preference.

Ingredient Variations

While this recipe calls for chicken breast, feel free to substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Thighs are also more forgiving to overcooking, remaining tender even if simmered longer. Vegetarians can swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu, adding them at the same stage you'd add the chicken to absorb the soup’s flavors.

For a burst of bright flavor, consider incorporating seasonal vegetables like zucchini or peas along with the spinach. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking to maintain their freshness and vibrant color. Swift additions like these can elevate the nutritional profile while maintaining the comforting essence of the soup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your soup turns out too thick, feel free to add a little extra broth or water during the cooking process to achieve your desired consistency. Keep in mind that rice continues to absorb liquid, so adjusting before serving is often necessary to keep it soup-like, not stew-like.

Watch for any signs of overcooking, particularly with the rice. If you notice your rice is sticking too much or becoming too soft, reduce the simmering time to avoid a mushy texture. The key is to taste as you go, trusting your senses to guide you towards the perfect bowl of soup.

Make-Ahead Strategies

This soup is incredibly simple to make ahead of time, making it perfect for batch cooking! Consider preparing the base (the sautéed vegetables and chicken) a day in advance. Simply refrigerate the mixture and add the broth and rice the following day, allowing for minimal prep when you’re ready to enjoy your meal.

For those busy days when you want a quick meal, you can also freeze this soup in individual portions after it has cooled. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. A well-prepared soup like this can make weeknight dinners a breeze.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use turkey, tofu, or even skip the protein altogether for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I add more flavor?

Add herbs like parsley or dill at the end, or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving for extra flavor.