If you’re craving a comforting bowl of warmth and flavor but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, the Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe is an absolute game changer. This soup is all about simplicity without skimping on taste, offering tender shredded chicken, hearty rice, and vibrant veggies simmered in a fragrant broth. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you need a little kitchen magic with minimal fuss. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to comfort meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even though this soup feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, the ingredients are straightforward and all play a crucial role. From the silky broth to the tender chicken and the slight sweetness of the carrots, each element brings something special to this easy-to-make dish.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken speeds up the process and keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice or 2 cups cooked rice: Rice adds heartiness and helps soak up the delicious broth.
- 6 cups chicken broth: This is the flavorful base that brings everything together with warmth and depth.
- 1 cup sliced carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and a nice pop of color.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Celery provides a fresh, aromatic crunch that balances the richness.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Onions add a savory foundation when sautéed gently.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the soup with a gentle depth of flavor that makes it irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and mild spice.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a subtle herbal note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of green color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies and unlock their flavors.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional): A splash of brightness to balance the richness and elevate the whole soup.
How to Make Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook them gently for about 4 to 5 minutes. This step softens the vegetables just enough to bring out their flavors without losing their lovely texture, setting a delicious foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Garlic cooks quickly and releasing its aroma here adds a subtle but important layer of savory richness that will infuse the entire soup.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, then sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and parsley. Bring everything to a gentle boil. This broth-packed with herbs is where the magic begins to happen as all the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
If you’re going the uncooked rice route, add it now and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender but still a bit firm. If you’re using cooked rice, simmer the broth and veggies for 10 minutes first, then add the cooked rice to warm through without overcooking.
Step 5: Add the Chicken and Final Touches
Finally, stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes so the chicken gets heated through and infuses the broth with extra flavor. If you like, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon to brighten everything up before serving. Adjust seasonings to your taste and enjoy piping hot!
How to Serve Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of thyme on top can add a lovely vibrant touch. For a little extra indulgence, a swirl of cream or a light drizzle of olive oil finishes off the bowl beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup is satisfying on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. A crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette or simple roasted vegetables can also turn it into a full, cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a small wedge of lemon on the side for guests to customize their tangy kick. You can also portion it in mason jars for grab-and-go lunches or even add some spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for a pop of green nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before reheating to recombine any settled rice or chicken.
Freezing
You can freeze Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze before adding the rice or use cooked rice when reheating to avoid mushiness. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the soup if it’s thickened in the fridge. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to preserve texture, but it works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds nuttier flavor and more fiber, but it will need a longer cooking time. You can cook it separately ahead of time and add it near the end of the recipe to keep the texture just right.
Is this soup suitable for freezing with the rice included?
Rice can sometimes get mushy after freezing and thawing, so it’s best to freeze the soup without rice. When you’re ready to enjoy it, cook fresh rice and add it before serving for the best texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Spinach, kale, peas, or even corn are great options to boost color and nutrition. Just add leafy greens at the end so they don’t overcook, or cook firmer veggies alongside the carrots and celery.
What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut here because it’s juicy, flavorful, and already shredded. Leftover cooked chicken or poached chicken breast shredded by hand works just fine too.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
This soup is naturally dairy-free if you skip the optional cream swirl. The olive oil sauté and chicken broth provide plenty of lovely richness without needing dairy products.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe enough for anyone who wants a soul-warming meal without complicated steps. It’s the perfect balance of easy, flavorful, and satisfying with a cozy homemade feel. Trust me, once you’ve made it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your weekly rotation. Go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and comforting Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup that combines tender shredded chicken, hearty rice, and flavorful vegetables simmered in a savory broth. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a nourishing meal any day of the week and can be made with either uncooked or pre-cooked rice for convenience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup uncooked white rice or 2 cups cooked rice
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes until they become slightly softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute to release its flavor, careful not to let it brown.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Rice: If using uncooked rice, add it now. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender. If using cooked rice, simmer the soup for 10 minutes before adding the rice to avoid mushiness.
- Add Chicken: Add the cooked shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon juice if using to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve the soup warm for a hearty and soothing meal.
Notes
- Using pre-cooked chicken and rice makes this soup fast and convenient; rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut.
- For added nutrition, stir in some fresh spinach at the end of cooking.
- For a richer soup, add a splash of cream just before serving.
