Description

Chicken rice soup is a warm, hearty, and comforting bowl of goodness made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth. It’s simple, nourishing, and perfect for chilly days, sick days, or anytime you need a cozy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Soup Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Main Ingredients

1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)

Seasonings

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

Optional

Juice of 1/2 lemon
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
Add Broth and Rice: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add the uncooked rice, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken into the soup and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Use brown rice for additional fiber but increase cook time by 15 to 20 minutes to ensure it becomes tender.
To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, cook the rice separately and stir it into the soup just before serving.
Leftovers tend to thicken as the rice absorbs liquid; add extra broth when reheating to achieve desired consistency.