Chicken rice soup is a timeless comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal. This recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, takes the classic to another level with its rich flavor and simple, straightforward approach. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make, making it a staple for busy weeknights or cozy weekend lunches. If you’re searching for a truly comforting and delicious chicken rice soup, look no further than this Pioneer Woman-inspired recipe.
Why This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup Recipe Works
What makes this chicken rice soup stand out? It’s the combination of simple ingredients and smart techniques that create a depth of flavor you wouldn’t expect. The recipe utilizes a buttery roux to thicken the soup and add a velvety texture. The inclusion of classic vegetables like onion, celery, and green pepper builds a savory base, while pimentos add a touch of sweetness and color. And of course, the chicken bouillon cubes amplify the chicken flavor, ensuring every spoonful is packed with comforting goodness. This isn’t a complicated gourmet recipe, but it’s precisely its simplicity that makes it so incredibly satisfying and easy to replicate at home.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup
To make this delightful Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup, you’ll need these readily available ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 quarts water
- 8-10 chicken bouillon cubes
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ – ½ cup onion, diced
- ¼ cup green pepper, finely diced
- ¼ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup pimentos, drained (from a jar, about ¼ cup)
- Optional: Yellow food coloring (just a couple of drops)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup
Follow these simple steps to create your own pot of comforting Pioneer Woman chicken rice soup:
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the white rice according to the package directions. Make sure to omit any salt from the cooking water, and cook until the water is just absorbed. Once cooked, set the rice aside.
- Poach the Chicken: In a large stockpot, place the chicken breasts and cover them with 2 quarts of water. Add the chicken bouillon cubes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through. This should take approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the stockpot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, roughly chop or shred the chicken and set it aside.
- Make the Roux: In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about a minute, stirring constantly, until it’s heated through.
- Thicken the Broth: Pour the roux into the chicken broth in the stockpot and stir well to combine. Ensure there are no lumps and the roux is fully incorporated into the broth.
- Sauté Vegetables and Chicken: Rinse the skillet you used for the roux and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in it. Add the diced onion, green pepper, celery, and pimentos to the skillet. Cook the vegetables until they are slightly tender. Add the chopped chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the vegetable and chicken mixture into the stockpot with the chicken broth and roux. Stir in the cooked rice. Simmer gently for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Color (Optional): If desired, add a couple of drops of yellow food coloring to enhance the visual appeal of the soup.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Pioneer Woman chicken rice soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup is delicious on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Soup
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Overcooked rice can become mushy in the soup. Cook it just until tender and set it aside to add later.
- Adjust Bouillon to Taste: The amount of bouillon cubes can be adjusted based on your preference for saltiness and chicken flavor. Start with 8 and add more if needed.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy in chicken soup, such as carrots or peas.
- Make it Ahead: This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors develop even more overnight.
- Freezing: Chicken rice soup freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers for easy meals later.
This Pioneer Woman chicken rice soup recipe is a comforting classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its simplicity and delicious flavor make it a winner every time. Enjoy the warmth and goodness of homemade chicken rice soup!
Source: Adapted from The Pioneer Woman
