If there’s one dish I make on repeat when I want pure comfort in a hurry, it’s Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup. This recipe is my secret weapon for cozy, home-cooked flavor with minimal fuss. Tender rotisserie chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of veggies come together in a savory broth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, even though you can have it on the table in just 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate shortcut for busy weeknights, sick days, or whenever you crave a bowlful of warmth without any stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup is how a handful of simple ingredients can create something so satisfying. Every item has a purpose, whether it’s building flavor or adding that signature heartiness, so don’t underestimate these basics!
- Olive Oil: Adds a silky base and helps the veggies soften and release their sweetness.
- Onion: A diced small onion brings gentle sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic: Two minced cloves deliver a warm, savory aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell inviting.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots add color, gentle sweetness, and a bit of bite.
- Celery: Essential for that classic soup flavor and a little crunch.
- Chicken Broth: The backbone of the soup, bringing all the flavors together in a comforting, savory way.
- Cooked Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: The ultimate time-saver and flavor booster—tender, juicy, and ready to go.
- Cooked White Rice: Fluffy rice soaks up the broth, making each spoonful extra hearty.
- Dried Thyme: Just a half teaspoon adds earthy, herby notes that make the soup taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
- Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon for just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Salt: Add to taste, to bring out all the other flavors.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything up at the end.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of green and a fresh, herbal finish.
How to Make Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is softened and your kitchen smells like a cozy hug. This step is crucial for building the soup’s classic flavor base.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not browned—this quick sauté brings out its mellow, sweet side and infuses the oil beautifully.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, then add the dried thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir, and bring it to a gentle boil. The broth will immediately start to smell incredible as it soaks up all those sautéed aromatics and herbs.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Rice
Reduce the heat and stir in the cooked shredded rotisserie chicken and the cooked rice. Simmer everything together for 5 to 10 minutes—just long enough for the chicken to warm through and the rice to soak up some of that delicious broth.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Just before serving, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley. This last-minute burst of freshness and color takes the whole Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup to another level, making each spoonful bright and inviting.
How to Serve Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, I love adding a sprinkle of extra parsley, a twist of cracked black pepper, or even a little grated Parmesan cheese. These simple garnishes add a pop of flavor and make every bowl look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup is filling enough to stand alone, but it’s even better with a slice of crusty bread for dunking or a simple green salad on the side. Warm biscuits or a handful of crackers also pair beautifully, soaking up all that golden broth.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, ladle the soup into wide bowls and float a lemon slice or a few baby spinach leaves on top. Or, serve it in mugs for a casual lunch, perfect for sipping while curled up on the couch. However you choose, the soup is sure to bring comfort and smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers something to look forward to!
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, let the soup cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to three months. For best texture, freeze the soup without the rice, then add freshly cooked rice when reheating.
Reheating
Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up in the fridge. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. The soup will taste just as comforting as the day you made it!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice or quinoa are both fantastic swaps for white rice in Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding, and be aware that brown rice adds a slightly nuttier flavor and chewier texture.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken broth is certified gluten-free, this recipe fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet. It’s a wonderful option for anyone looking for a hearty, comforting meal without gluten.
How can I add more veggies?
You can toss in a handful of baby spinach, kale, or even frozen peas right at the end. The soup is flexible and happy to welcome extra greens or whatever odds and ends you find in your fridge.
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
No worries! You can use any leftover cooked chicken or even quickly poach a couple of chicken breasts. The rotisserie chicken just makes things extra speedy and flavorful, but the soup will turn out great either way.
Can I make Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup in advance?
Definitely. This soup is a meal-prepper’s dream. Just keep in mind that the rice will continue to absorb broth as it sits, so add a splash more when reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving something soothing on a chilly night or need a quick fix for a busy day, Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup is the recipe to keep in your back pocket. It’s pure comfort with minimal effort, and I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
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Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup is a comforting and easy-to-make recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Using rotisserie chicken and cooked rice, it comes together quickly while delivering a flavorful, hearty dish packed with tender vegetables, herbs, and a bright splash of lemon juice. This gluten-free soup is both nourishing and satisfying, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add dried thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Incorporate chicken and rice: Reduce heat to a simmer, then add the cooked shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked white rice. Let the soup simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Finish with lemon and parsley: Stir in the juice of half a lemon and the chopped fresh parsley just before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked rice makes this soup quick and easy to prepare.
- You can substitute brown rice or quinoa for a healthier or gluten-free option.
- For added nutrition, add a handful of spinach or kale at the end of cooking just until wilted.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice according to taste preferences for balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
