Chicken and Rice Soup from the Frame
Cut used: Back chicken →
Prep
15 min
Cook
1 hr 30 min
Total
1 hr 45 min
This is the soup that turns a leftover chicken frame into an entirely new meal, extracting every last bit of flavor and meat clinging to the bones. Simmering the carcass with aromatics builds a light but flavorful broth in under two hours, no all-day project required. Rice and vegetables round it out into a full, satisfying bowl that costs almost nothing to make.
What Ingredients Do You Need?
- 1-2 (about 2 lbs) Leftover chicken carcass and backs
- 10 cups Water
- 1 Yellow onion, diced
- 3 Carrots, sliced
- 3 Celery stalks, sliced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 3/4 cup Long-grain white rice
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste Salt and pepper
How Do You Make Chicken and Rice Soup from the Frame?
- 1
Simmer the frame
Place the chicken carcass and backs in a large pot with water and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 1 hour.
- 2
Strain and pick
Strain the broth into a clean pot, discarding bones and skin, and pick off any usable meat from the frame to add back to the soup.
- 3
Sauté vegetables
In the same pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- 4
Combine and season
Pour the strained broth back into the pot with the vegetables, add thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Cook the rice
Stir in the rice and simmer for 18-20 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick to the bottom.
- 6
Add the meat back
Stir in the picked chicken meat and simmer for 5 more minutes until warmed through.
- 7
Finish and serve
Remove bay leaves, stir in fresh parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
What Are the Pro Tips for This Recipe?
- 💡 This is the perfect way to use the carcass left over after a roast chicken dinner.
- 💡 Cook the rice separately and add it only to portions you'll eat right away if you plan to freeze leftovers, since rice turns mushy after freezing and reheating.
- 💡 A parmesan rind added to the simmering broth adds a subtle savory depth.
- 💡 Swap rice for egg noodles or orzo for a different texture.
