This Chicken, Brown Rice, and Vegetable Soup is a weeknight staple in my house. It’s quick, easy, and packed with nutritious ingredients, making it the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. It’s a warm hug in a bowl on chilly evenings.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand, or add in other favorites like zucchini or spinach. It’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rice, and it’s also freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Fan-Favorite Reasons
- Flavorful and comforting: This soup is full of savory flavors and satisfying textures.
- Easy to make: With the help of an electric pressure cooker, this soup comes together quickly and easily.
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, it’s a wholesome and nourishing meal.
- Versatile and adaptable: You can easily customize the vegetables and seasonings to suit your preferences.
Chicken, Brown Rice, and Vegetable Soup
- Total Time: 37
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A quick, easy, and healthy chicken soup recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Brown Rice
- Celery
- Sweet Potato
- Onion
- Carrots
- Yellow Squash
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients
- Combine Ingredients in Pressure Cooker
- Pressure Cook
- Natural Pressure Release
- Add Yellow Squash
- Serve
Notes
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference. Leftover chicken and rice can also be used. This soup freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 17
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
This soup comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience, but you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Brown Rice: Cooked brown rice adds a hearty texture and makes this soup a complete meal.
- Vegetables: A medley of celery, sweet potato, onion, carrots, and yellow squash provides essential vitamins and nutrients.
- Aromatics: Garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper add depth and warmth to the broth.
- Optional Extras: Fresh herbs and lemon wedges make for a refreshing garnish and add a bright, citrusy kick.
From Start to Finish
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Dice the celery, onion, sweet potato, and yellow squash. Mince the garlic and measure out the dried herbs and spices.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Pressure Cooker
Place the chicken, diced celery, sweet potato, onion, vegetable broth, baby carrots, cooked brown rice, parsley, minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper in your electric pressure cooker. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and ensure the vent valve is in the SEALING position. Select the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK function, high pressure, and set the timer for 12 minutes.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the vent valve to the VENTING position to release any remaining pressure. Use caution as the steam will be hot.
Step 5: Add Yellow Squash
Open the lid and stir in the diced yellow squash. Replace the lid and let it cook for another 2-5 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after cooking. This will give it a thicker, more velvety texture.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or rotisserie chicken. Check our Lunch category for more time-saving tips.
- For an extra boost of flavor, sauté the onions, celery, and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the pressure cooker.
Try These Variations
- Spicy Chicken and Rice Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup: Stir in a can of coconut milk or heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier soup. For more creamy soup inspiration, browse our Breakfast recipes – some unexpectedly translate well!
- Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: Substitute wild rice for brown rice for a nuttier flavor and texture.
- Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Soup: Add egg noodles or small pasta shapes during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a heartier soup.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! This soup is a great base for adding even more veggies. Feel free to toss in some chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed beans, such as chickpeas or kidney beans, for extra protein and fiber.
How do I store and reheat leftover soup?
This soup reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use different types of chicken?
For a richer flavor, you can use bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just be sure to remove the bones before serving. You can also add a splash of white wine or lemon juice for extra brightness.
How to Serve
This Chicken, Brown Rice, and Vegetable Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple sides. Here are some ideas:
- Crusty bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the delicious broth.
- Side salad: A light and refreshing salad with a simple vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the heartiness of the soup.
- Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, adds a bright, fresh flavor. Check out our Desserts section for some fun ideas with herbs.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors of the soup.
That’s a Wrap
This Chicken, Brown Rice, and Vegetable Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s easy to make, packed with healthy ingredients, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly evening or a quick and healthy weeknight meal. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have another bowl calling my name!
Craving more cozy recipes? Explore our Dinner category for more delicious ideas. And don’t forget to share your culinary creations with me on social media! Find me on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook.
