Chicken and rice soup is a dish that many people love because it makes them feel better. It’s a great choice for a light meal because it has mild flavors and soft textures. But chicken and rice soup really shines when paired with the right sandwich. When you mix different tastes and textures in a bowl of soup, you can make it an extraordinary dining experience.
In this article we will explore the best sandwich options to pair with chicken and rice soup. We will consider different flavors ingredients, and textures to find the perfect matches. Whether you prefer a classic grilled cheese, a hearty deli sandwich, or something more unconventional, you are sure to discover an ideal soup and sandwich pairing.
Why Sandwiches Pair So Well with Chicken and Rice Soup
Sandwiches are natural complements to soups for several reasons. For starters, sandwiches are easy to take with you and eat with a bowl of soup. The hand-held size makes it easy to dip and dunk. Second, sandwiches provide texture contrast. There is a great balance between the smooth, tender soup and the crunchy bread.
Finally, sandwiches allow for diverse flavors that can either complement or accentuate the soup. You can choose sandwiches with bold ingredients that intensify the chicken and rice flavors or more delicate sandwiches that harmonize gently. This versatility makes sandwiches an ideal match for chicken and rice soup.
The Classic Choice: Grilled Cheese
Sometimes simple is best. When it comes to chicken and rice soup, grilled cheese sandwiches are the best. The melted cheese gives the soup a rich, creamy texture that goes well with its soothing feel. And the crispy, buttery toast offers a crunchy bite.
When it comes to grilled cheese, you can make it your own way in a lot of different ways while still keeping its basic appeal. Switch up the cheese to havarti, gouda, or provolone. Add ham or turkey for more heft. Or use sourdough, rye, or whole wheat for diverse flavors. Just make sure to use good ingredients to get the most out of the experience.
There’s a reason grilled cheese and tomato soup is a iconic combination – the flavors just work beautifully together. The same logic applies to chicken and rice soup. Warm, creamy, and crispy – grilled cheese is comfort food at its finest.
Beyond Grilled Cheese: More Creative Pairings
While grilled cheese is the standard choice, there are many other sandwich options that can complement chicken and rice soup wonderfully. Here are some creative recipes to consider:
BLT
Crisp bacon, juicy tomato, and fresh lettuce make this sandwich a bright contrast to the cozy soup. Focus on quality ingredients, especially the bacon. A smoky, thick-cut bacon balances best. Go easy on the mayonnaise to prevent it from dampening the crunch of the toast.
Roasted Vegetable Focaccia
Warm roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and red peppers shine when paired with creamy goat cheese and focaccia bread. The medley of sweet and savory flavors mingles nicely with the herby notes of the soup.
Caprese Sandwich
Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomato, and fragrant basil on a crusty baguette make a refreshing Italian-inspired pairing. The acidity of the tomato cuts through the richness of the broth beautifully. Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction to take it over the top.
Smoked Turkey and Brie
Thinly sliced smoked turkey offers a delicate meatiness, while creamy brie provides a sophisticated accent. Cranberry jam or chutney on whole grain bread makes an upscale sandwich perfect for a luncheon.
Cuban Sandwich
Salty ham, sweet pickles, melty Swiss cheese, and zesty mustard deliver bold flavors between two crispy slices of Cuban bread. This sandwich stands up nicely to the richness of the soup.
Sandwich Tips and Tricks
Now that we’ve explored ideal pairings, here are some tips and tricks to create the perfect sandwich to accompany your chicken and rice soup:
-
Toast the bread – Toasting adds crunch and prevents sogginess when dunking.
-
Highlight quality ingredients – Use fresh, premium ingredients to maximize flavors.
-
Add spreads – A thin layer of mustard, mayo, or jam can elevate the sandwich.
-
Use varying textures – Crunchy vegetables, creamy cheese, and tender meats create an appealing contrast.
-
Consider lighter sandwiches – Chicken salad, cucumber tea sandwiches, or smoked salmon are refined options.
-
Make it a panini – A panini press gives a crispy exterior and melty interior.
-
Slice thinly – Thin slices of meat ensure an even texture with each bite.
-
Skewer it – Turn a sandwich into an appetizer by cutting it into bites and skewing.
Elevate Your Dining Experience
Serving chicken and rice soup alongside a thoughtfully crafted sandwich elevates a simple meal into a truly satisfying dining experience. Play with flavors, textures, and colors to create a beautiful presentation.
For a complete meal, add a green salad with light vinaigrette or a side of fresh fruit. You can also enhance the soup itself by garnishing with herbs, lemon wedges, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil.
So next time you prepare chicken and rice soup, take it to the next level with an equally delicious sandwich pairing. The possibilities are truly endless! A comforting bowl of soup becomes infinitely more exciting and tasty when accompanied by its ideal sandwich partner.
Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini
No matter what kind of hot panini we make, this homemade version of our favorite Panera Bread panini is the best. Smoky shredded chicken, melty mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes are pressed between focaccia to create a sandwich that’s crispy-crunchy on the outside, and soft and warm in the middle. Lunchtime heaven. Get the Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
Pumpkin Tomato Soup With Grilled Swiss Cheese Sticks
While we love classic tomato soup, we sometimes want to shake things up a bit when fall comes around. This soup gets an extra creamy dose, not only thanks to sweet pumpkin puree, but with heavy cream and sharp Parmesan. One of the best parts? Both the soup and cheese sticks are ready in under 30 minutes, making this the easiest weeknight dinner youll have no problem getting the whole fam to enjoy. And its definitely kid-friendly—theyll be obsessed with the grilled cheese sticks. Get the Pumpkin Tomato Soup With Grilled Swiss Cheese Sticks recipe.
A good reuben should be loaded—and we can assure you that this one is! Not only is built on one of the best of all sandwich breads, rye of course, but it balances the salty, cured corned beef with tart sauerkraut and mild, almost creamy melted Swiss that is just begging to be eaten alongside some matzo ball soup. And dont get us started on Russian dressing. Get the Reuben Sandwich recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
A symbolic dish of past hardships, warming matzo ball soup is an essential component of the Passover feast. This classic recipe—complete with homemade chicken broth and light and fluffy matzo balls—has a few ingredients that may surprise you, but truly perfect this pinnacle comfort food that only gets more cozy with a reuben. Get the Matzo Ball Soup recipe.
Theres something so special and refreshing about a sandwich that is absolutely packed to the gills with veggies. The miso eggplant in here makes this one extra special and plays off the sweetness of our carrot ginger soup. Get the Ultimate Veggie Sandwich recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
This is a recipe we come back to again and again: Canned coconut milk makes it super-creamy and rich, and just a tablespoon of fish sauce adds depth and makes this soup feel that much more special and dinner-worthy alongside our ultimate veggie sandwich. Get the Carrot Ginger Soup recipe.
Chicken And Wild Rice Soup And Sandwich • Tasty
FAQ
What pairs well with chicken and rice soup?
Lean into the comfort of chicken and rice soup by pairing it with a rustic potato and green bean salad. This salad is great for soup-and-salad lunches because it has a lot of different textures from the soft potatoes, crunchy green beans, and thinly sliced celery. It is also topped with a creamy dressing that tastes like dill.
What sandwich pairs well with chicken soup?
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Pair It With: Grilled Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches.
What to pair chicken soup with?
Potatoes – pick from classic roasted potatoes, mash, wedges or sweet potatoes to eat alongside your chicken soup. Sandwiches: Are you really hungry? A quick and easy salad, vegetable slaw, or vegetable panzanella is a great way to add flavor to your soup and is also very good for you.
What can I have with soup instead of bread?
Whatever your preference or mood, here are our suggestions for 15 of the best mouth-watering sides for soup. Grilled cheese sandwich. Spinach salad with bacon. Stuffed baked potatoes. Vegan sweet potato fries. Cheese and vegetable quesadillas. Garlic bread. Air fryer cauliflower. Roasted green beans with harissa.