Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup

Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for cold days or when you need a wholesome dish. Loaded with tender chicken, flavorful broth, vegetables, and rice, this soup is simple to prepare and packed with delicious, satisfying flavors. It’s the perfect recipe for a family dinner or meal prep.

What is Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup?

Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Rice Soup is a one-pot dish featuring shredded chicken, rice, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth. The combination of protein-rich chicken, filling rice, and tender vegetables creates a well-rounded and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Comforting and filling: This soup is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal.
• Family-friendly: Simple flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Great for meal prep: Easy to make ahead and reheats beautifully.
• Customizable: Swap the vegetables, use wild rice, or add herbs for a personal touch.
• Perfect for leftovers: Use leftover chicken or turkey for a quick, delicious meal.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or wild rice for variation)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a creamy variation)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings

• Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme and parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

• Add the rice to the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

• Stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through about 5 minutes.
• If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a creamy variation and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup

• Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Green salad: A light, refreshing salad pairs beautifully with this hearty soup.
• Garlic bread: Add a touch of indulgence with buttery garlic bread.
• Cheese platter: Serve with a selection of mild cheeses for a cozy appetizer.
• Hot sauce: For spice lovers, add a dash of hot sauce to enhance the flavor.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup

• Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken makes this soup quick and easy.
• Stir occasionally: Prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot by stirring frequently.
• Don’t overcook the rice: Simmer just until tender, as the rice will continue to absorb liquid after cooking.
• Add greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
• Adjust thickness: Add more broth if the soup becomes too thick after sitting.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup

• Wild Rice Soup: Use wild rice or a wild rice blend for a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
• Lemon Chicken Rice Soup: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Creamy Chicken Rice Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy version.
• Spicy Chicken Soup: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable-Loaded Soup: Include additional vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms for extra variety.

Storing Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup: Best Practices

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for later: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the soup without the rice and add freshly cooked rice when reheating.
• Label with date: Mark the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup: Best Practices

• Stovetop: Reheat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Add fresh rice: If reheating frozen soup, cook fresh rice and stir it in before serving.

FAQs

Can you freeze chicken rice soup?

Yes, chicken rice soup can be frozen. For best results, freeze the soup without the rice to prevent it from becoming mushy. Add freshly cooked rice when reheating.

How do you keep rice from getting mushy in soup?

To prevent the rice from getting mushy, cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving. Alternatively, use wild rice, which holds its texture better in soups.

What type of rice is best for chicken rice soup?

Long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or wild rice are ideal for chicken rice soup. These varieties maintain their texture and add flavor to the dish.

Can chicken rice soup be made creamy?

Yes, chicken rice soup can be made creamy by adding heavy cream, half-and-half, or a dollop of sour cream during the final minutes of cooking.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Rice Soup is a comforting, wholesome dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty rice, it’s the perfect meal for any day of the week.

Try it today and enjoy a bowl of cozy, homemade goodness!

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• Ina Garten Chopped Liver
• Ina Garten Chicken Liver Pate
• Pioneer Woman Mini Beef Wellington
• Paula Deen Vegetable Soup

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