Chicken Ginger Rice Soup
Chicken Ginger Rice Soup is a soothing and comforting dish perfect for cold days. It combines tender chicken, fresh ginger, fluffy rice, and vegetables in a flavorful chicken broth to create a warm, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal that lifts your spirits and supports digestion.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely sliced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Grains
- 1 cup white jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed
Liquids
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and finely slice fresh ginger and garlic. Dice carrots into small, even pieces. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch for a fluffier soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and stir frequently until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, to release their essential oils and flavor the broth.
- Brown the Chicken: Add diced chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until lightly browned but not fully cooked through, sealing in juices and deepening flavor.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth, then add diced carrots, rinsed rice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked, the chicken is tender, and carrots are soft. Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.
- Final Taste and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the brightest and most authentic flavors.
- Do not overcook the rice; add it later for firmer texture or cook longer for a porridge-like consistency.
- Simmer gently on low heat to meld flavors without toughening the chicken.
- Skim excess fat from the surface to keep the soup light and clear.
- Homemade chicken broth adds extra depth but store-bought broth works well too.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: chicken soup, ginger soup, comfort food, winter soup, easy soup, gluten free