If there’s a chill in the air or you’re just craving something heartfelt and nourishing, Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup is here to lift your spirits. This recipe is my go-to for a busy weeknight, lazy Sunday, or whenever I want that homemade comfort—without having to put in hours of work. With tender rotisserie chicken, fluffy rice, and plenty of veggies swimming in a fragrant, herby broth, this soup instantly feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s so simple, wonderfully quick, and packed with flavors that taste like they’ve simmered all day, even though you can have it on the table in just thirty minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how the beauty of Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup lies in its everyday ingredients. Each brings its own burst of flavor, color, or that essential coziness, turning humble kitchen staples into something really special.
- Olive Oil: Adds a silky richness and helps the veggies soften beautifully at the base of the soup.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): A savory aromatic that starts the flavor party and makes the broth taste savory-sweet.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses every spoonful with that irresistible, classic comfort-soup aroma.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): Takes the broth from meh to marvelous with subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced): Adds that satisfying crunch and faint earthiness, balancing the flavors throughout the bowl.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): The essential herb here—just enough to make the soup taste lovingly homemade.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (6 cups): Forms the soothing base and lets you control the saltiness, especially if you want to add more seasoning later.
- Cooked Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (1 1/2 cups): Says “shortcut!” while still delivering that slow-cooked chicken flavor and juicy bite.
- Cooked White Rice (1 cup): Brings satisfying substance and makes the soup transform from light to hearty in a flash.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Finishes the soup perfectly, allowing you to adjust for your preferred seasoning.
- Lemon Juice (from 1/2 lemon, optional): Adds that gentle brightness which wakes up all the flavors at the end.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of green at the end gives a pop of color and a fresh, finishing touch.
How to Make Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a big soup pot over medium heat. As soon as it shimmers, toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s just turning translucent. Stir in the garlic, diced carrots, and celery; keep stirring and letting things sizzle for another 4 to 5 minutes. The kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll know it’s time to sprinkle in the thyme—give it a stir so the aroma wakes up and mingles with the veggies.
Step 2: Build a Flavorful Broth
Now, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to get all those tasty bits mixed in. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble away for 10 minutes; during this time, the veggies turn tender, and the broth takes on so much depth with almost no effort from you.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Rice
Next, scatter in the shredded rotisserie chicken and the cooked white rice. Stir them gently into the broth so every ingredient is happily mingling together. Simmer everything for about 5 minutes, just long enough for the chicken and rice to warm through and absorb all that flavorful liquid—no overcooking necessary, just enough for everything to feel like it belongs.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Time for the magic moment! Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as needed—this is where you can really make it yours. If you love a burst of freshness, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Ladle the soup into bowls and finish each with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. There it is: a gorgeous Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup, ready to enjoy in under half an hour!
How to Serve Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a finishing flourish! I love to scatter plenty of fresh parsley over each bowl. You could add a twist of cracked black pepper, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or even a few lemon zest curls for extra zing. The fresh, green parsley really pops against the golden broth and makes the soup look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This soup shines with something sturdy and simple on the side. I’m partial to a hunk of toasted sourdough, a fluffy dinner roll, or even a slab of buttered baguette for dunking. If you want to add extra greens, a crisp little salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced and bright. For chilly nights, a grilled cheese or melted cheese toastie is absolutely next-level alongside your Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your soup night by serving the Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup in big, rustic mugs so it’s portable and cozy on the couch. For family style dinners, pour the soup into a big Dutch oven set in the center of the table, surrounded by bowls of toppings: more parsley, lemon wedges, maybe some hot sauce for those who like a kick. And if you’re packing lunch, fill a thermos for an ultra-satisfying meal-to-go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup tastes just as dreamy the next day! Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then spoon the soup into airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, and you’ll find the flavors deepen as it sits—just be aware, the rice may soak up some broth overnight, thickening the soup a bit.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this soup, I recommend doing so before you add the rice. The broth, veggies, and chicken freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, but rice can go a little mushy after thawing. When ready to serve, just reheat the soup and stir in freshly cooked rice for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For quick lunches or last-minute dinners, reheat the soup gently in a saucepan on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. You can microwave individual portions in a bowl (loosely covered) for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Either way, give it a quick taste before serving and bump up the seasonings if needed—another squeeze of lemon never hurt!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or wild rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown or wild rice both make great swaps, bringing nuttier flavor and heartier texture to the Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup. Just be sure to use pre-cooked rice, since raw will take much longer to cook in the soup.
How can I make the soup creamier?
For an extra luscious version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or even coconut milk at the end of cooking. This adds a velvety feel and makes Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup feel super indulgent without a lot of fuss.
What other vegetables can I add?
The beauty of Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup is flexibility! Try stirring in a handful of baby spinach, chopped kale, or even some frozen peas just before serving. It’s a fantastic way to use up extra veggies you have on hand.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check your rotisserie chicken for any added wheat or gluten, Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup is naturally gluten free. Always double-check labels to be safe if you have an allergy or sensitivity.
What’s the best way to use leftover rotisserie chicken?
This soup is one of my favorite ways to use up a cold rotisserie chicken in the fridge. Just shred the meat and toss it in—there’s no need to reheat it beforehand, since the soup will warm everything through gently during cooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup enough if you’re after a quick, lovingly homemade meal that soothes, satisfies, and brings everyone to the kitchen. Whether it’s your first time making homemade soup or you’re a soup-seasoned pro, this recipe belongs in your weekly rotation. Warm up a bowl soon and let me know how much you love it!
Print
Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and quick recipe for Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup that is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken. This hearty soup is filled with vegetables, tender chicken, and fluffy rice in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until slightly softened.
- Add thyme and broth: Sprinkle thyme, pour in chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Combine chicken and rice: Add chicken and rice to the pot, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This recipe is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken and rice.
- You can substitute brown rice or wild rice for a different texture.
- To add creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
