Healthy Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup

Name: Healthy Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup brown rice, rinsed; 1 cup green peas, frozen; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Highlighted under: Balanced Food Studio

As someone who loves filling meals that nourish both body and soul, I am thrilled to share my Healthy Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup. This recipe is perfect for those chilly days when comfort food is a must but health is a priority. With tender chunks of chicken, a colorful array of vegetables, and hearty rice, every spoonful is nutritious and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare and makes great leftovers, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Let’s dive into this deliciously wholesome soup!

Created by

Skylar Jennings

Last updated on 2026-02-23T18:52:42.664Z

This Healthy Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup became a favorite in my house after a few tweaks to make it even more flavorful and nutritious. I discovered that using homemade broth made all the difference and really allowed the vibrant flavors of the vegetables to shine. Each time I make it, I experiment with whatever veggies are on hand, and it always turns out delicious!

What I love most about this soup is its versatility. You can add fresh herbs or even a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright finish. Plus, the combination of lean chicken and fiber-rich vegetables truly makes this soup a wholesome treat any day of the week. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies
Comforting yet light, perfect for any season
Easily customizable to your taste and ingredient availability

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredient of this soup is the chicken breast, which provides lean protein to keep you energized. When diced into uniform pieces, the chicken cooks evenly, ensuring a tender bite in each spoonful. For the broth, using low-sodium chicken broth is crucial for controlling the salt level while allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substituting chicken with chickpeas and using vegetable broth will maintain the heartiness and nutrition while accommodating different diets.

The selection of vegetables is another essential component; the combination of carrots, celery, and peas not only adds vibrant colors but also enhances the nutritional profile of this soup. Carrots contribute a natural sweetness, while celery provides a refreshing crunch. If you're missing an ingredient, feel free to replace the peas with other frozen veggies like corn or green beans—just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they're heated through.

Cooking Techniques to Perfect Your Soup

Getting the sautéing step right is key to developing all those comforting flavors. Make sure to cook the chicken until it's golden brown before adding the vegetables—this step adds depth and richness. When sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery, look for them to become slightly translucent and soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes on medium heat. If you find the vegetables sticking to the bottom of the pot, consider adding a splash of broth to deglaze, ensuring every bit of flavor is captured.

When simmering your soup, keep the lid on to maintain a consistent temperature and trap in moisture. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb the broth's flavors. If the rice isn’t cooked to your liking after 30 minutes, give it an additional 5-10 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overcooking. Remember, the rice will continue soaking up liquid even after you turn off the heat, so a slightly firmer texture is often preferred.

Ingredients

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup brown rice, rinsed
1 cup green peas, frozen
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add Broth and Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the brown rice, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Finish with Peas and Season

Stir in the frozen green peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This can elevate the taste without adding extra calories.

Storing and Reheating Your Soup

This Healthy Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup not only makes a comforting dish for today but also serves well as meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, consider portioning it out in single-serving containers for convenient thawing and reheating.

When reheating, if the soup seems too thick due to the rice absorbing more broth, simply stir in a bit of additional chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This soup can easily stand alone as a satisfying meal, but serving it with a slice of whole-grain bread or a fresh salad elevates the experience. For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving, enhancing the overall taste profile with a touch of acidity and savory goodness.

If you're feeling adventurous, spice up your soup with a pinch of red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper for a hint of heat. I love to add a drizzle of olive oil as a finishing touch for richness; it not only improves flavor but also makes the soup visually appealing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice is a great option as it adds more fiber and nutrients, but it may require a longer cooking time.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth and substituting the chicken with more vegetables or beans.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or green beans tailored to your taste.