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I’m sharing this chicken and rice soup with spinach because it’s pure comfort in a bowl. When I need something more than just warm, something that fills me up and makes me feel better, this is what I make.
I love how the tender chicken and rice do the heavy lifting, but the fresh spinach is what I think makes this special. It adds color and keeps the soup from feeling too heavy. I throw in garlic and ginger for flavor and health benefits, plus I can customize it however I want with lemon, herbs, curry, whatever sounds good.
My family loves this dish. It’s become our go-to for cold nights, sick days, or when we need something easy but satisfying. This soup feeds your body and your soul without weighing you down.
This soup is perfect for many occasions:
- When someone in my family is feeling under the weather
- On chilly winter evenings when comfort is a priority
- During busy weeknights when I need a complete meal in one bowl
- For meal prep Sundays, it stores and freezes beautifully
I love how versatile this recipe is. It’s perfect for any season, and the brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrition.
Whether you’re new to cooking or experienced, this soup is excellent. It’s easy to make but full of flavor. Are you ready to try a healthy comfort food?
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This chicken and rice soup is a must-have in your kitchen. It’s a favorite among family and friends. It’s hearty comfort food and a nourishing meal for any time of year.
The soup is packed with nutrients. It has protein from chicken, rice carbs, and veggie vitamins. The base is a mirepoix of carrots, celery, and onions.
This recipe is great because you can make it your own. Add garlic and lemon for a boost when you’re sick, or add herbs for extra flavor. It’s a canvas for your creativity.
This soup is easy to make. The chicken cooks whole in the broth. This means:
- Less prep work
- Deeper flavors
- Tender chicken
- A cozy aroma
- Less cleanup
The carrots, celery, and onions combine with the chicken and rice to create a rich flavor. Fresh spinach adds a bright touch.
This soup is even better the next day. The flavors get better overnight. It’s great for meal prep or when you need comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cozy soup is made special by tasty yet straightforward ingredients. When mixed, these everyday items become a comforting dish. Let’s look at what you need to make this nourishing soup!
Protein and Grains
The soup’s base is satisfying and filling. You can choose from:
- Chicken: Use 1-1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender meat. Chicken thighs also work well, adding richer flavor.
- Rice: 3/4 to 1 cup of long-grain white rice is perfect. It keeps its shape well.
This recipe is flexible! For more fiber, try brown rice for a nuttier taste. If you’re short on time, leftover cooked rice is excellent. Just add it towards the end.
Vegetables
The vegetables in this soup add flavor, color, and nutrition. Start with the classic trio:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 carrots, diced
- 2-3 celery stalks, diced
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced or thinly sliced
- 4-6 cups fresh baby spinach
This mix creates a sweet, aromatic base. The spinach adds vibrant green color and nutrients.
Get creative! Bell peppers add sweetness, and zucchini brings freshness in summer. Most veggies can be prepped ahead of time, making soup assembly quick.
Broth and Flavor
The liquid base and seasonings make the soup magical:
- 6-8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium for better salt control)
- Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill (about 2 tablespoons, chopped)
- 2 bay leaves (remove before serving)
- Fresh lemon juice (added just before serving)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Do you need chicken broth? Vegetable stock is an excellent substitute. It’s perfect for vegetarian friends or a lighter option.
Want to try something new? Add red pepper flakes for heat, curry powder for warmth, or soy sauce for depth. Homemade soup lets you adjust flavors to your liking!
Remember, your broth will get more flavorful as it simmers. Taste and adjust seasonings towards the end for the best flavor.
How to Make It
Making this chicken and rice soup with spinach is easy and fun. It turns simple ingredients into a delicious meal. Follow these four steps to make your kitchen smell amazing, and your family will ask for more!
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Start with a flavorful base. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. It should shimmer but not smoke.
Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. These veggies make an excellent base for our soup. Cook them for 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onions turn clear.
Be patient with this step. Letting the veggies release their flavors makes the soup taste better. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds when they’re soft. Garlic burns easily, so add it last.
If using dried herbs like thyme or oregano, add them now. Heat helps release their flavors. Your kitchen will smell amazing, signaling that good things are happening!
Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken
Now, turn our base into a soup! Pour in 6-8 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Use more liquid than you think you’ll need because rice absorbs a lot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Add whole chicken breasts or thighs to the broth. This method saves time and adds more chicken flavor—season with salt and pepper.
Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F. Shred the chicken with two forks in the pot, keeping it wonderfully moist.
Step 3: Add Rice and Spinach
Now, add the rice and spinach. Add 3/4 cup of uncooked rice to the broth and stir well. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender.
Keep an eye on the liquid level. If it’s too thick, add more broth or water. Add 4-6 cups of fresh spinach leaves when the rice is done. Stir until the spinach wilts in 1-2 minutes.
Adding spinach at the end keeps its nutrients and color. It adds a vibrant freshness to the soup.
Step 4: Adjust and Serve
There are just a few final touches to make your soup perfect! Taste and adjust the seasonings. You might need more salt and pepper.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons) for brightness. For more depth, try soy sauce or fish sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro add flavor and color. Serve hot, topped with herbs and a lemon wedge.
For a fuller meal, serve with bread or a salad. Homemade soup brings comfort and connection to the table. It’s satisfying yet light, making it a complete meal!
Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Soup
Making a great chicken and rice soup requires a few key tips. Over the years, I’ve learned some tricks that make my soup stand out. Here are my top soup secrets!
First, don’t rush the base vegetables. Spend a few extra minutes sautéing onions, carrots, and celery. This makes a big difference in flavor. For the best taste, they should be soft and slightly caramelized.
Choosing the right chicken broth is essential. Homemade broth is the best, but store-bought works great too. Pick low-sodium broth so you can control the salt. This lets you season it just right.
How you prepare your garlic is key. Slice it instead of mincing for a milder flavor. This way, the garlic adds a nice touch without overpowering the soup.
For flavor, thighs are better than breasts, but both are good. A helpful tip is to use tongs to remove the chicken for shredding. If you have a stand mixer, shred the chicken with the paddle attachment on low speed. It’s fast and easy!
The rice needs attention, too. Add it uncooked to soak up flavors, but watch the timing and amount. Rice absorbs liquid even after cooking, which can thicken the soup too much.
- Planning leftovers? Cook rice separately to avoid it getting mushy.
- Need a time-saver? Use a rotisserie chicken and pre-made broth for a quick soup.
- Want extra richness? Use clarified butter (ghee) for sautéing vegetables.
- Temperature matters! Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is 165°F.
- Brighten flavors! Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for flavor.
The secret to a great soup is adding a bit of acid. Whether lemon juice or vinegar, it cuts through richness and brightens flavors. This makes your soup special, and people will ask for the recipe!
Letting the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving is key. It lets the flavors meld together beautifully. This short wait makes a big difference in taste.
Storage & Freezer Tips
This cozy chicken and rice soup is excellent for meal prep! Let it cool down before putting it in airtight containers. It stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
The rice will soak up more broth as it sits, making your leftover soup thicker. To fix this, add a bit of chicken broth when reheating.
This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave space for expansion. Freezing might change the spinach’s texture. You can freeze without spinach and add fresh leaves later.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a fresh taste. Cooking rice separately helps it stay fluffy in leftovers.
