Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup

Name: Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 sweet onion, diced; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken; 4 cups chicken stock; 1 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest; Lime wedges, for serving; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; 2 cups jasmine rice; 3 cups water or chicken stock; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; Zest of 2 limes; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; ¾ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something warm but not heavy, bright but still cozy, Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup might just be your new favorite dinner. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a reset button after a long day—light, citrusy, and soothing all at once.

You know those evenings when everyone’s hungry, you’re tired, and takeout sounds tempting? This soup is my answer to that moment. It’s fresh and flavorful, but still simple enough for a weeknight. And when you ladle that fragrant broth over fluffy cilantro lime rice? Oh my goodness. It’s like a cozy blanket with a little tropical vacation tucked inside.

Let’s make dinner feel special—without making it complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup

There’s something magical about the combo of ginger and lime. The ginger adds warmth and depth, while the lime brightens everything up. Together, they turn simple chicken soup into something that tastes vibrant and comforting at the same time.

Here’s why this Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup works so beautifully for busy home cooks:

Quick prep – Just 15 minutes to get it going.
Simple ingredients – Nothing fancy or hard to find.
Family-friendly – Bright flavors, but not spicy.
Perfect for leftovers – It reheats like a dream.
Great use for rotisserie chicken – Hello, time saver!

This is one of those soups that makes your kitchen smell incredible. The ginger, garlic, and onion simmering together? Pure comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break this down into two parts: the soup and the cilantro lime rice that takes it over the top.

For the Ginger Lime Chicken Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 sweet onion, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
3 to 4 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
Kosher salt and pepper
1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken
4 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest
Lime wedges, for serving
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

For the Cilantro Lime Rice

2 cups jasmine rice
3 cups water or chicken stock
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Kosher salt and pepper
Zest of 2 limes
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
¾ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Nothing complicated. Just real ingredients doing what they do best.

How to Make Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup

Don’t worry—this isn’t fussy. It’s the kind of recipe you can follow even when your brain is still in “work mode.”

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-low heat.

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper.

Cook, stirring often, until the onions soften and become slightly translucent. This takes about 6–8 minutes. Don’t rush it. This is where the flavor starts.

Your kitchen will already smell amazing.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Stir in the shredded chicken and pour in the chicken stock. Add the freshly grated lime zest.

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.

This gives the ginger time to infuse the broth and lets all those flavors marry together.

Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper as needed.

How to Make the Cilantro Lime Rice

While the soup simmers, it’s time for the rice.

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Place the jasmine rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps keep the rice fluffy instead of sticky.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Bring the water or chicken stock to a boil in a saucepan.

Add the rice, butter, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Stir once, reduce to a simmer, and cover.

Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Add the Brightness

Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.

Stir in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

Now pause for a second. Smell that. It’s fresh, citrusy, and just a little buttery. So good.

How to Serve It

Scoop a generous portion of cilantro lime rice into a bowl.

Ladle the hot ginger lime chicken soup right over the top.

Finish with extra fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with lime wedges on the side for anyone who loves an extra pop of citrus.

It’s colorful. It’s comforting. And it feels just a little bit special for a regular Tuesday.

Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup topped with fresh cilantro and lime slices in a white bowl — A cozy bowl of Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup served with fresh lime slices and chopped cilantro for a bright, comforting finish.

Cooking Tips for the Best Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup

Let’s talk about a few little tricks that make this soup even better.

Use rotisserie chicken.
If you’re short on time, grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves at least 20 minutes, and nobody will complain.

Adjust the ginger to your taste.
Love bold flavor? Use the full 4 tablespoons. Want it milder? Start with 2 to 3 tablespoons and taste as you go.

Too thick? Too thin?
If your soup feels too strong, add a splash of water or extra stock. If you want it richer, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Cooking is flexible—don’t stress.

Add veggies if you’d like.
Thinly sliced carrots, baby spinach, or even mushrooms would slide right into this Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup beautifully.

One time, I made this after a week that felt like one giant to-do list. I had leftover chicken in the fridge and zero energy. But once that ginger hit the warm oil? My mood lifted. Sometimes it’s the smallest kitchen moments that feel like therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavor deepens as it sits. Store the soup and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken stock since rice tends to absorb liquid.

Can I freeze it?

You can freeze the soup portion without the rice. Rice can get mushy after freezing and reheating.
Freeze the broth and chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Absolutely. Just know that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need extra liquid. The flavor will be slightly nuttier, but still delicious with the lime and cilantro.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

Fresh ginger gives the brightest flavor, but in a pinch, you can use ground ginger. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Make It Fit Your Busy Life

One of the things I love most about recipes like this is how adaptable they are.

Busy mom juggling homework and soccer practice? Prep the rice earlier in the day.

Working late and exhausted? The soup comes together in under an hour and feels like something you ordered from your favorite cozy café.

Trying to eat a little lighter after a weekend of indulgence? This soup is satisfying without feeling heavy.

That’s what I believe cooking should be—comforting, doable, and full of flavor without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone.

A Bowl That Feels Like Home

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup at the end of the day. It’s bright from the lime, cozy from the ginger, and hearty enough to keep everyone satisfied.

It’s not complicated. It’s not fancy. But it tastes like you put real thought into dinner—and sometimes that’s exactly what we need.

So next time life feels busy and dinner feels like just another task, remember this Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup. Let it simmer, let the citrusy steam fill your kitchen, and give yourself the gift of a meal that warms you from the inside out.

Now tell me—are you adding extra lime on top? Because in my house, we definitely are.

More Cozy Bowls & Bright Chicken Dinners to Try

If this Ginger Lime Chicken and Rice Soup made your kitchen smell like pure comfort, I have a feeling you’ll love these next picks too. They keep that same cozy-meets-fresh vibe going, with flavors that feel special but are still completely doable on a busy weeknight.

Craving another citrusy, soothing bowl? This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup has that same bright lift with tender chicken and a comforting broth that feels like a warm hug.
If you’re in the mood for something a little heartier and perfect for meal prep, try this Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. It’s creamy, cozy, and practically cooks itself.

Love that gentle ginger warmth? You’ll adore this nourishing Miso Ginger Broth — it’s light, flavorful, and perfect when you want something soothing but not heavy.
And if chicken and rice is your forever comfort combo, this easy One Pot Chicken and Rice is simple, family-friendly, and wonderfully satisfying.
For a slightly different spin on these bright flavors, take a peek at this Ginger Lime Chicken Soup from How Sweet Eats — it’s always fun to see another take on a fresh, citrusy favorite.

Because once you find a flavor combination you love, there’s no reason to stop at just one bowl.