This soup is soft, easy on your gut, and warm in every spoonful. It’s simple, low‑residue, and comfort food without fuss.
Soft chicken and mellow rice float in a light, soothing broth. It’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and kinda cozy — perfect when you want something gentle but filling. Everything cooks in one pot (plus a tiny separate rice pot), so cleanup’s easy. With basic ingredients, it’s simple, tummy‑friendly, and low‑residue.
Jump to RecipeIngredients Needed:
- 1 cup long‑grain white rice: rinsed, easy‑to‑digest grain.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: gentle fat for flavor.
- 1 small yellow onion: chopped, mild and softens well.
- 4 medium carrots: peeled, sliced thin so they cook soft.
- 3 celery ribs: chopped, but soft‑cooked.
- 3 garlic cloves: minced, adds warmth.
- ½ tsp dried thyme: gentle herb flavor.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: mild seasoning.
- Salt & pepper: just a pinch, optional if you’re avoiding extra salt.
- 2 bay leaves: subtle depth, remove later.
- 6 cups low‑sodium chicken broth: base liquid, low residue.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast: easy‑to‑cook white meat.
- Chopped parsley (optional): for mild freshness on top.
How To Make Low Residue Chicken & Rice Soup:
Cook the rice:
Boil ~8 cups water. Add rinsed rice, boil gently — 15 min for white. Drain well, cover to keep warm.
Sauté veggies:
Heat oil in a big pot over med‑high. Add onion, carrots, celery. Cook ~5 min till just soft.
Add garlic & herbs:
Stir in garlic ~30 sec. Then toss in thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, bay leaves. Pour in broth, nestle chicken in.
Simmer chicken & soup:
Bring to boil, then lower heat to simmer. Cover and cook ~20–25 min till chicken hits 165 °F and veggies soften.
Shred and combine:
Remove chicken, rest ~5 min, shred. Add shredded chicken and cooked rice to soup. Warm through. Check seasoning.

Recipe Tips:
- Use white rice or short‑grain — easier on digestion.
- If broth is too thick, add warm water or broth to loosen it.
- Skip garlic/onion for ultra‑sensitive days — broth alone works.
- Serve warm with a soft dinner roll for extra comfort.
How to Store & Reheat:
- Room Temperature: cool ~30 min before covering.
- Fridge: store up to 3 days in airtight container.
- Freezer: freeze up to 3 months; reheat gently on stove, add broth if thick.
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving):
- Calories: ~290
- Sodium: ~400 mg (with low-sodium broth)
- Protein: ~24 g
- Fat: ~7 g
- Carbs: ~34 g
- Fibre: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~4 g
FAQs:
Is this soup low‑residue?
Yep! Soft rice, tender chicken, cooked veggies — minimal fiber and easy to digest.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Sure — just shred and stir in during the final step to warm through.
Can I make this without onions or garlic?
Absolutely. Skip ’em for ultra‑gentle days. It’s still tasty and low‑residue.
Can I freeze it?
Yes — freeze up to 3 months. Thicken rice may absorb broth, so add extra broth when reheating.
What if I need gluten‑free?
This is naturally gluten‑free, as long as your broth is too.
Low Residue Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutes290
kcalGentle, soft broth with tender chicken and rice — easy‑to‑digest comfort food.
Ingredients
1 cup long‑grain white rice, rinsed
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped (optional)
4 medium carrots, peeled & sliced
3 celery ribs, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
2 bay leaves
6 cups low‑sodium chicken broth
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Boil rice in 8 cups water (15 min), drain and cover to rest.
- In pot, heat oil; sauté onion, carrots, celery ~5 min.
- Add garlic (optional), herbs, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and broth; nestle chicken.
- Simmer covered ~20–25 min till chicken is cooked.
- Remove, shred chicken; stir in rice and reheat.
Notes
- Rice soaks broth over time — thin with extra broth if needed.
- Leave out garlic/onion on sensitive digestion days.
- Freeze in portions; reheat gently, adding broth.
- Adjust salt based on dietary guidelines.
