Easy One-Pot Chicken Soup

Featured in: One-Pot Home Meals

This comforting dish combines tender chicken pieces, long-grain rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered slowly in a flavorful broth. Aromatic herbs like thyme and bay leaf enhance the savory depth while fresh parsley adds a bright finish. This one-pot method saves time and makes for an easy, wholesome meal perfect for any occasion. Optional lemon wedges add a fresh zest on serving.

Updated on Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:23:10 GMT
Hearty chicken and rice soup with tender vegetables and fresh herbs in a comforting one-pot meal. Save to Pinterest
Hearty chicken and rice soup with tender vegetables and fresh herbs in a comforting one-pot meal. | amberkettle.com

Easy Chicken Run One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect go-to meal when you want comfort and nourishment with minimum fuss. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmer together in a single pot, filling your home with warm, inviting aromas. This wholesome soup balances hearty goodness with an easy preparation, ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a satisfying bowl of warmth.

Hearty chicken and rice soup with tender vegetables and fresh herbs in a comforting one-pot meal. Save to Pinterest
Hearty chicken and rice soup with tender vegetables and fresh herbs in a comforting one-pot meal. | amberkettle.com

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This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can transform into a soul-satisfying meal. With tender chicken pieces mingling with savory broth and rice that absorbs all those flavors, every spoonful offers comforting texture and taste. The fresh parsley added at the end brings a lively finish, while the optional lemon wedges add a touch of citrusy brightness that elevates the dish.

Ingredients

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  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2/3 cup (120 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 6 cups (1.5 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chicken pieces; cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned on the outside (they do not need to be fully cooked through).
4. Add the rice, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
7. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
8. Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a Parmesan rind during simmering and remove it before serving. If you prefer brown rice instead of white, remember to increase the simmering time by 15–20 minutes. You can also enrich the soup with spinach or kale added in the last 5 minutes of cooking to boost its nutritional profile and color.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

This soup is versatile and easy to tailor to your taste or dietary preferences. Use olive oil for a dairy-free version or butter if you prefer a richer flavor while incorporating dairy. For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. Leftovers thicken over time as the rice absorbs more broth; simply add extra chicken broth when reheating to restore the perfect consistency.

Serviervorschläge

Serving this soup with fresh lemon wedges brings a bright contrast to the mellow flavors and enhances every spoonful. Complement with crusty bread to soak up the savory broth or a light side salad for a complete meal. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for inviting presentation.

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| amberkettle.com

With straightforward preparation and simple ingredients, this one-pot chicken and rice soup celebrates classic flavors that satisfy body and soul. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or packed for next-day meals, it’s a reliable recipe that nurtures and delights with every bowl.

Recipe FAQs

What type of rice is best for this dish?

Long-grain white rice works best for a tender texture that absorbs the broth well. Brown rice offers a nuttier flavor but requires longer cooking time.

Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another protein?

Yes, chicken thighs or turkey pieces can be used, adjusting cooking times to ensure tenderness and proper cooking.

How can I make the soup more flavorful?

Adding a Parmesan rind while simmering enriches the broth's depth. Fresh herbs like parsley brighten the final dish.

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach or kale can be stirred in the last few minutes for added greens and nutrition.

How should leftovers be reheated?

Reheat gently on the stove adding extra broth or water to loosen thickened rice and maintain a creamy consistency.

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Easy One-Pot Chicken Soup

Wholesome chicken, rice, and vegetables cooked together in one pot for a simple meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
35 min
Total duration
50 min
Created by Molly Easton


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary details No dairy, Wheat-free

What You'll Need

Proteins

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

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
03 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 3 garlic cloves, minced

Rice

01 2/3 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

Liquids

01 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
02 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter

Seasonings & Herbs

01 1 teaspoon dried thyme
02 1 bay leaf
03 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Finishing Touches

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
02 Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.

Step 02

Build Aromatic Base: Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Sear Chicken: Stir in the chicken pieces and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned on the outside.

Step 04

Combine Components: Add the rice, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 05

Simmer Until Tender: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

Step 06

Adjust Seasoning: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Step 07

Finish: Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Step 08

Serve: Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

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Equipment needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Ladle

Allergy details

Be sure to look at every ingredient. If you have concerns, ask your healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk if using butter instead of olive oil.
  • Verify broth labels for potential gluten or other allergen cross-contamination.

Nutrition Info (one portion)

Information shown is for general reference. Please speak to your doctor for nutrition advice.
  • Energy: 310
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 26 g

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