Description

Chicken Tomato Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty bowl blending tender chicken, smoked turkey bacon, fresh tomatoes, and fluffy rice. This easy-to-make soup balances lean protein, vibrant veggies, and savory depth for a warm, nourishing meal perfect for busy days or chilly nights. Adaptable and flavorful, it offers layers of texture and warmth in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Base

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 strips smoked turkey bacon, crumbled

Vegetables

1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups fresh tomatoes, diced

Grains

1 cup white rice

Liquids and Sauces

6 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 splash apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil

Herbs and Seasonings

2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preparing the base: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
Adding smoked turkey bacon and chicken: Crumble smoked turkey bacon into the pot and cook until it starts to release its smoky aroma. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and stir occasionally until chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked.
Bringing in tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced fresh tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cooking the rice: Add the rice to the simmering soup and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Allow the rice to absorb the broth and soften without becoming mushy.
Final seasoning and serve: Remove the bay leaf and thyme stems. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness. Ladle warm soup into bowls and serve.

Notes

Use fresh ripe tomatoes for natural sweetness and the best flavor.
Simmer the soup gently to keep the rice from overcooking and maintain good texture.
Do not skip smoked turkey bacon; it adds a distinctive smoky, savory depth.
Adjust herbs and seasonings as you cook to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
When reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth to keep soup cozy and prevent it from thickening too much.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: chicken soup, tomato rice soup, comforting soup, smoked turkey bacon, easy dinner, healthy soup, gluten free soup