Healthy Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup

Name: Healthy Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup spinach, fresh; 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded; 1 cup brown rice, rinsed; 6 cups chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried basil

Highlighted under: Balanced Food Studio

When I crave something comforting yet nutritious, I often turn to my Healthy Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup. It's a dish I've perfected over the years, balancing flavors and health benefits effortlessly. With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and wholesome rice, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any veggies in the fridge! I love how it comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that nourishes both body and soul.

Created by

Skylar Jennings

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:00:48.664Z

Creating my Healthy Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup has been a delightful journey, especially as I experimented with various herbs and spices to find the right balance. I discovered that sautéing the garlic and onions at the beginning builds a rich, aromatic base for the soup, enhancing its flavor profile significantly. The addition of spinach right at the end preserves its vibrant color and nutrients, making this dish not only tasty but visually appealing.

I also learned that using homemade chicken broth elevates the soup's richness, but store-bought works well in a pinch. This recipe helped me appreciate the versatility of seasonal vegetables, allowing me to adjust the ingredients based on what I have available. My delightful discovery is that when served with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, it transforms the entire experience!

Why You'll Love This Soup
Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables
Comforting and filling without being heavy
Quick to prepare on busy weeknights

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of your Healthy Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup lies in the fresh ingredients you choose. The combination of carrots, celery, and bell peppers not only builds a colorful base but also offers a medley of vitamins, particularly vitamin A from the carrots and vitamin C from the peppers. Each vegetable contributes its unique flavor and texture, melding seamlessly during cooking. Using fresh vegetables enhances the soup's nutritional profile, providing a wholesome meal that feels satisfying and nourishing.

While chicken breast is the primary protein source here, feel free to substitute with rotisserie chicken for added depth of flavor and ease. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, chickpeas or beans can replicate the protein content and contribute a hearty texture. Remember, the key is to adjust your cooking time for different proteins or legumes to ensure everything is properly cooked and tender.

Cooking Technique Tips

To really bring out the flavors in this soup, proper sautéing technique is essential. Start by ensuring your olive oil is hot before adding the onions; you'll know it's ready when it shimmers. Sauté until the onions are translucent to build a solid flavor base. The slight caramelization of the onions with garlic creates depth; just don't rush this step, as rushing can lead to burnt edges and an acrid flavor.

When adding the chicken and rice, stir thoroughly to coat everything with the broth and seasonings. This not only mixes the flavors but also prevents the rice from sticking together. If you notice your rice clumping during simmering, you can add an extra half-cup of broth to keep it from getting overly thick.

Ingredients

Soup Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup spinach, fresh
1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 cup brown rice, rinsed
6 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil

Mix and match your favorite veggies based on what you have!

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Then add the carrots, celery, and bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes.

Add Chicken and Rice

Stir in the shredded chicken and rinsed brown rice. Add the chicken broth, thyme, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Incorporate Spinach

Once the rice is tender, stir in the fresh spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it cook for another 5 minutes.

Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This soup is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it in advance, cool it completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, often making it even tastier when reheated. If you plan to freeze it, ensure you allow it to cool down before transferring to freezer-safe bags. This soup can be frozen for up to three months; just remember to leave a little extra space in the container for expansion during freezing.

When reheating, do so slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much during refrigeration, simply add a splash of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Garnishing your Healthy Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup can elevate the dining experience significantly. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving to brighten the flavors. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of lemon juice can add a delightful creaminess and tang that complements the richness of the chicken and broth perfectly.

For a complete meal, serve the soup alongside a slice of whole-grain bread or a light salad. The texture of the bread provides a wonderful contrast to the soup's comforting warmth, while a salad can add a refreshing crunch. Not only does it round out the meal, but it also adds more nutrients and variety to your dinner table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can easily customize this soup by adding vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans based on your preference.