A cozy bowl of Chicken Bacon Rice Soup is all you need for comfort on a chilly day. It’s creamy, smoky, and loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crispy bacon. Ready in about 40 minutes, this one-pot recipe makes family dinners simple, delicious, and satisfying. You’ll love how flexible it is — with easy swaps, make-ahead options, and a flavor that feels like home.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Rice Soup
This Chicken Bacon Rice Soup is creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. The smoky bacon adds depth while the tender chicken and rice make it filling and wholesome. It’s a one-pot wonder that saves time and makes cleanup easy. You can prep it ahead, freeze leftovers, and reheat without losing flavor. It’s also flexible — swap rice types or make it dairy-free with simple tweaks. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or sharing with family on a cool night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
You’ll start with chopped bacon, which gives the soup its rich smoky flavor. Celery, carrots, and onion add a savory vegetable base. Garlic and herbs like parsley, thyme, and red chili flakes bring warmth and depth. Chicken broth keeps everything light yet flavorful, while boneless chicken breasts cook right in the soup for tender, juicy bites. Long-grain rice makes it filling, and milk or cream adds that creamy touch. Cornstarch thickens the broth slightly for a smooth finish that hugs every spoonful.
Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions
Leftover chicken or turkey works great for quick prep. If you’re short on time, use instant rice — just add it once the chicken is cooked. Wild or brown rice adds nutty flavor but needs more simmer time. For a dairy-free option, try almond or oat milk. You can also toss in spinach, corn, or mushrooms to change up the texture and boost nutrients.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Rice Soup
Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking chopped bacon in a large pot until crispy. Once browned, remove the bacon and set it aside. Leave the drippings in the pot — that’s pure flavor gold and will help the veggies caramelize beautifully.
Sauté the Vegetables
Add celery, carrots, and onion to the hot pot. Stir often until softened and fragrant. Then mix in garlic, salt, parsley, thyme, and chili flakes. Let everything cook together for a minute so the spices bloom and coat the vegetables.
Simmer the Chicken and Rice
Next, pour in chicken broth, then add the chicken breasts and rice. Stir, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. This usually takes around 20 minutes.
Shred and Thicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using forks or a hand mixer. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with milk or cream. Pour it into the pot and stir until the broth thickens slightly.
Finish and Serve
Add the shredded chicken and crispy bacon back in. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite side, like crusty bread or roasted veggies.
Expert Tips and Notes
Save time by using rotisserie chicken instead of raw breasts. To shred cooked chicken quickly, use a hand mixer in a large bowl. If your soup thickens too much, just stir in a splash of broth when reheating. For a lighter version, swap cream for milk or plant-based options. This soup keeps well in the fridge for four days or in the freezer for three months. Reheat gently to keep the creamy texture smooth.
Flavor Variations
Make this Chicken Bacon Rice Soup your own. Add spinach or kale for greens, mushrooms for earthiness, or corn for a touch of sweetness. You can also stir in a little hot sauce for heat or extra cream for richness. Brown rice or wild rice adds a chewy bite, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil brightens every bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with crusty bread or soft garlic rolls to soak up the creamy broth. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. Enjoy it as a main dish on a chilly evening or as part of a cozy weekend family dinner.
Storing and Reheating
Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze in single portions for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture. Warm slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Best Chicken Soup Recipes
- Healthy Chicken Soup
- Comforting Soup Recipes
- Hearty Soup Options
- Quick and Easy Soup
Conclusion
This Chicken Bacon Rice Soup is the perfect mix of creamy, smoky, and comforting. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and ideal for busy nights or lazy weekends. Every spoonful brings cozy warmth and flavor you’ll crave again and again. Try it once, and it might just become your favorite comfort meal any time of the year.
Before you go, check out more delicious soups and pin your favorites on Pinterest
Chicken Bacon Rice Soup
Equipment
- Large soup pot For cooking everything in one pot.
- Mixing bowl To mix cornstarch with milk or cream.
- Wooden spoon For stirring the soup while cooking.
- Tongs or forks To shred the cooked chicken.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup dry long-grain white rice
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add celery, carrots, and onion to the bacon fat. Sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in garlic, salt, parsley, thyme, and chili flakes; cook briefly.
- Pour in chicken broth, then add raw chicken and rice. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot. Mix cornstarch with milk or cream, then stir into soup. Simmer a few minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the crispy bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic rolls.
