If you are craving a comforting bowl that’s both heartwarming and incredibly quick to whip up, this Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with humble pantry staples and leftover rotisserie chicken, this soup delivers cozy vibes without hours of simmering. Every spoonful brings together tender chicken, satisfying rice, and vibrant veggies in an easy, nourishing broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are what make this Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe so special—each one adds its own layer of flavor, texture, and color, coming together for a meal that’s as fuss-free as it is delicious.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a fragrant, silky base for sautéing the veggies.
- 1 small onion (diced): Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): adds savory aroma and boosts flavor complexity.
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced): Adds a slight sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 2 celery stalks (sliced): Contributes a fresh, crisp texture and balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Delivers earthy, aromatic notes perfect for chicken dishes.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brings a mild herbal brightness to the mix.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties all ingredients together.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover): Tender protein that makes this a hearty meal.
- 1 ½ cups cooked white or brown rice: Adds comforting body and texture.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional): Brightens the soup with a subtle citrus zing.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds color and fresh herbal notes at serving.
How to Make Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, then cook them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavorful foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Once your veggies have softened, stir in the minced garlic alongside dried thyme and parsley. Cook everything together for another minute or so until you can smell all those delicious aromas melding perfectly in the pot.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Bring to a Boil
Next, pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat just enough to bring it to a gentle boil. This is where all the flavors start combining into that classic comforting base.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken and Rice
Now it’s time to add your cooked shredded chicken and rice. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes, so the flavors have a chance to mingle and deepen beautifully.
Step 5: Season and Brighten
Before serving, taste your soup and season with salt and black pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, stir in the juice of half a lemon—it adds a fresh brightness that lifts the whole dish.
How to Serve Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top is a simple but striking way to finish this soup. Not only does it add a lovely pop of color, but its herbaceous notes boost the fresh, vibrant character of the dish.
Side Dishes
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re feeling like pairing it, a crusty baguette or warm garlic bread complements it perfectly. They’re great for dipping and add a satisfying crunch to contrast the soup’s silky texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to add a rustic, cozy charm. You could also sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes, creating a bubbly, cheesy crust that takes this humble recipe up a notch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its fresh flavors without losing any of the comforting texture.
Freezing
Want to enjoy this soup later? Freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave a bit of space at the top of the container, as the rice can expand slightly when frozen.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Avoid boiling to keep the chicken tender and flavors balanced.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
Absolutely, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Add raw chicken pieces to the broth and simmer until fully cooked before adding the rice to avoid overcooking the grains.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the chicken broth for a vegetable broth and use cooked mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I use instant rice in this soup?
Using instant rice may result in mushier texture as it cooks quickly. It’s best to add instant rice towards the end of cooking and only simmer for a few minutes so it doesn’t become too soft.
What are some good substitutions for thyme and parsley?
If you don’t have thyme or parsley, try using oregano, basil, or even a pinch of rosemary. These herbs pair wonderfully with chicken and will impart slightly different but equally delicious flavors.
Can I add more vegetables to the Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe?
Definitely! Frozen peas, spinach, or green beans can be stirred in during the last few minutes of simmering to boost nutrition and add even more color and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe is a heartfelt classic that’s perfect for busy days when you want real comfort without the fuss. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and so satisfying you’ll want to keep making it again and again. Give it a try and enjoy a warm bowl filled with simple, tasty goodness.
Print
Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken and rice. Packed with wholesome vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a light broth, it’s a delicious gluten-free and dairy-free meal that can be on your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 ½ cups cooked white or brown rice
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Add Broth and Bring to Boil: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Incorporate Chicken and Rice: Add the cooked shredded chicken and cooked rice to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the juice of half a lemon for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize leftover rotisserie chicken and cooked rice.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or milk right before serving.
- To boost the vegetable content, consider adding frozen peas or fresh spinach during the simmering stage.
