Slow-Cooker Rice and Chicken Soup

There’s nothing like a bowl of homemade slow-cooker chicken and rice soup on a chilly day, or as a remedy when you’re feeling under the weather. This soothing, nutritious soup recipe brings tender chicken, flavorful broth and a mix of fresh vegetables together to create a comforting and hearty meal. The slow-cooker method ensures the chicken is cooked to perfection, infusing the broth with rich, savory notes while keeping the vegetables and rice tender yet intact. To take the taste to the next level, prepare this chicken and rice soup the night before and let it cool in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious than it is fresh out of the pot. 

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Rice and Chicken Soup

• Chicken: This recipe uses bone-in chicken breasts, which adds depth to the broth as the bones release their flavors during the long cooking process. If needed, chicken tenderloins or thighs also work. 
• Seasonings: The salt, pepper and poultry seasoning are used to make a flavorful broth with the chicken.
• Chicken bouillon granules: These flavor bombs add an extra layer of rich, concentrated chicken taste to the soup. Alternatively, you can use chicken stock, broth or a bouillon cube dissolved in water.
  
• Carrots, celery and onion: Together, these vegetables create a classic mirepoix. If possible, use fresh diced vegetables, but frozen can also work.
  
• Rice: We recommend using any long grain rice like basmati or jasmine for this recipe. You can try white, brown or other types of rice too. 
• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a bit of brightness and color to the soup.

Directions   

Step 1: Cook the chicken

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In a 6-quart slow cooker, place the water, chicken, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. Cover and cook on low for six to seven hours, or until the chicken is tender.

Step 2: Cool and cut the chicken

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With a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the broth. When it’s cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. 

Step 3: Finish the soup

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Skim the fat from the broth, then add the chicken, bouillon granules, carrots, celery ribs, onion and rice. Cover and cook on high for one to two hours, or until the vegetables and rice are tender. If desired, sprinkle each serving with parsley.

Editor’s Tip: If you prefer firmer rice, add it halfway through the cooking time instead of at the beginning.

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Slow-Cooker Rice and Chicken Soup Variations

• Add more veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables such as potatoes, green beans or peas for more texture and nutrition.
• Try different grains: Substitute the rice with other grains like quinoa, barley or wild rice for a different texture and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes or a dash of curry powder, for a spicy kick.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a creamy consistency.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Rice and Chicken Soup

Let the rice and chicken soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate the soup for three to four days.

Can you freeze slow-cooker rice and chicken soup?

Yes, you can freeze chicken and rice soup for up to three months. Just keep in mind that when freezing most soup recipes, the add-ins like veggies and rice can soften after thawing. Follow these soup freezing tips to make sure your chicken and rice soup remains as good as day one.

Slow-Cooker Rice and Chicken Soup Tips   

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Can you make chicken and rice soup in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely. Our pressure-cooker homemade chicken and rice soup allows you to cook this recipe in a 6-quart electric pressure cooker. What’s more, it takes just five minutes to pressure cook. You can also make it on the stove, like in this homemade chicken and rice soup recipe.

How do you prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft?

Cut the vegetables into larger pieces to help them hold their texture better during the long cooking process.

What can you serve with slow-cooker rice and chicken soup?

A warm, crusty baguette, a slice of sourdough bread or a piece of buttery cornbread would be perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. Sprinkle some homemade thyme and sea salt crackers on top for a satisfying crunch, or enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for a classic comfort-food combination.