There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that support your health. This Immune-Boosting Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe hits all the right notes — it’s comforting, flavorful, and genuinely nurturing on those days you want to feel cozy and cared for.

The image shows a close-up of a deep white bowl filled with chicken soup. The soup has a rich, light yellow broth full of small chunks of chicken, orange carrot pieces, green peas, and bits of celery. There are bright green cilantro leaves scattered on top, along with a slice of lemon placed on the right side inside the soup. Small drops of red chili oil and fresh black pepper specks add color and texture on the surface. In the background, a white bowl with chopped lemon wedges is visible, all placed on a white marbled surface. A soft, cream-colored cloth with black stripes peeks from the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Immune-Boosting Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Immune-Boosting Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Immune-Boosting Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this soup because it’s one of those rare recipes that combines ease with a powerful flavor punch. Plus, it’s tailored specifically to support your immune system, which makes it perfect for any time you’re feeling under the weather or just want to boost your wellness.

Deep, layered flavor: Aromatic ginger, garlic, turmeric, and miso create a broth that’s rich and nourishing without feeling heavy.
Simple, wholesome ingredients: You won’t find anything complicated here—just fresh veggies, tender chicken, and rice for that satisfying comfort factor.
Immune-supportive nutrients: Garlic, ginger, and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties, making this soup a wellness powerhouse.
Customizable and forgiving: Whether you want it heartier or lighter, you can easily tweak this soup to exactly how you like it.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together ingredients that complement each other not just in taste but in health benefits too. Each one plays a role, from building flavor to gently nourishing and soothing your body.

Flat lay of two large celery stalks, one large peeled carrot diced, a bunch of scallions with white and pale green parts separated from vibrant green tops, four whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small mound of minced fresh ginger, a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing ground coriander, another small white ceramic bowl with ground turmeric, a tiny white ceramic bowl filled with black pepper, a small pile of dry long-grain white Jasmine rice, one whole uncut lemon beside a small white ceramic bowl of fresh lemon juice, a portion of boneless skinless chicken thighs raw and fresh, a small white ceramic bowl with white miso paste, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing and infuses heart-healthy fats into the soup.
Scallions: They bring freshness and a mild onion flavor; separating the white and green parts helps layer that flavor perfectly.
Celery and carrot: Classic aromatics that soften into a subtly sweet and savory background.
Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and spice; it’s a natural immune booster and great for digestion.
Garlic: A must-have for immune support and savory depth.
Ground coriander and turmeric: Both spices add earthiness and brightness, with turmeric offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
Black pepper: Enhances all the flavors and helps activate turmeric’s benefits.
Long-grain white rice: Absorbs the broth beautifully and delivers comforting carbs.
Low sodium chicken broth: Gives the soup body and savoriness without overwhelming saltiness.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender, flavorful, and perfect for shredding into the soup.
Kosher salt: To season just right.
White miso paste: Boosts umami and adds probiotics that support gut health.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens and balances the rich flavors at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this immune-boosting chicken and rice soup recipe is how easy it is to customize. For example, you can switch up veggies or swap chicken thighs for breasts depending on what you’ve got on hand or your preference.

Variation: Sometimes I add mushrooms for an earthier flavor or throw in some kale near the end for extra greens and texture — both work wonderfully and boost nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Immune-Boosting Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

A close-up view of a large black pot filled with yellowish broth soup containing small chopped green onions, orange carrot bits, and pieces of white chicken meat. A shiny silver ladle is dipped into the soup, holding some chicken and vegetables. The pot rests on a white marbled surface. Steam rises gently from the soup, showing it is hot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Soften your aromatics to build flavor

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the white and pale green parts of the scallions along with diced celery and carrot. Stir occasionally as the veggies soften—about 5 to 6 minutes—to draw out their natural sweetness. Patience here goes a long way; don’t rush them or they’ll remain hard instead of melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 2: Add spices and aromatics for that fragrant punch

Next, toss in the minced ginger, garlic, ground coriander, turmeric, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes until you can really smell those spices waking up the pot. This step is crucial for depth, so let the aromas fill your kitchen—it’s part of the magic!

Step 3: Toast the rice and add broth and chicken

Stir in the dry rice and let it toast lightly for a minute or two—this adds a subtle nuttiness and helps the rice stay fluffy. Then pour in your broth along with the chicken thighs and kosher salt. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer on medium-low. After about 20 minutes, your rice will be tender and the chicken cooked through.

Step 4: Shred chicken, add miso and fresh scallion tops

Use tongs to remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with forks on a cutting board (this part always makes me feel like a pro). Meanwhile, whisk the miso paste with about ½ cup of the hot broth in a bowl until smooth to avoid lumps, then stir the mixture back into the soup. Add the vibrant green scallion tops and the shredded chicken, stirring gently to combine.

Step 5: Brighten it up and serve

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve piping hot with your choice of garnishes.

Top Tip

After making this soup many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make the process smoother and the results tastier. These little tips might just become your new go-tos too.

Toast the rice gently: Don’t skip that step—it elevates the texture and flavor of your soup.
Whisk your miso with hot broth before adding: This prevents clumps and preserves the delicate flavors of the miso.
Separate scallion parts: The white parts add savory depth early, while the green tops keep their freshness and color when stirred in at the end.
Don’t overboil: Keep your simmer gentle to avoid tough chicken and mushy rice.

How to Serve Immune-Boosting Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Immune-Boosting Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love spritzing a little extra lemon on top and adding a handful of fresh cilantro because it brightens the bowl beautifully. Sometimes I drizzle chili crisp if I want a spicy kick—it’s a game changer! Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra scallion greens work great too.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own, but I like pairing it with crusty whole grain bread or a simple arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette for added freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I serve this soup in mugs with a side of herb garlic toast stacked like bracelets. It’s both charming and practical, letting guests sip and nibble as we chat. You can also ladle it into pretty bowls lined up family-style, garnished with colorful herbs to impress without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the soup quickly, transfer it to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.

Freezing

Freezing works well, but I recommend freezing the soup without the fresh lemon juice and scallion greens, adding those just before reheating. This keeps those bright flavors fresh and vibrant.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to keep it silky. Add your lemon juice and scallion greens right at the end, so they stay fresh and bright.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Immune-Boosting Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine, though they tend to be leaner and can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on cooking time and remove them as soon as they’re cooked through for the best texture.

Is it okay to use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid since brown rice takes longer to soften. I’d recommend cooking it separately and adding it near the end to avoid mushy rice.

What does the miso paste do in this recipe?

Miso paste adds a wonderful umami depth and a slight tang to the broth. It also brings probiotics which are good for gut health. Make sure to add it off the heat or in a small amount of broth first to preserve its live cultures and flavor.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

You can, by swapping the chicken broth for a robust vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Adding extra vegetables, mushrooms, or plant-based protein like tofu can make it hearty and satisfying while still keeping the immune-boosting elements intact.

Final Thoughts

This Immune-Boosting Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe holds a special place on my kitchen table because it’s honest food that offers comfort and care in every spoonful. Whether you’re tending to yourself or making it for someone who needs a little extra love, it’s a recipe that really warms the heart and body. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do.