This cozy chicken and rice soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful veggies, making it both tasty and comforting.
I love to whip this up when I’m feeling under the weather. It’s super easy to make, and the leftovers taste even better. Trust me, you’ll be wanting seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps cook the vegetables. If you don’t have olive oil, feel free to use vegetable oil or butter. Both give a nice taste to the soup.
Chicken Broth: A big flavor base! If you want a lighter option, use low-sodium broth. You can also make your own with leftover bones or sub with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Cooked Chicken: Leftover roasted chicken is perfect for this! Can’t find chicken? Tofu works well for a vegetarian option, or you can use canned chickpeas for added protein.
Long-Grain White Rice: This rice keeps the soup light and fluffy. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, brown rice or quinoa can be used, but adjust the cooking time since they take longer to cook.
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your veggies just right is key to a delicious soup. Start by sautéing the onion, celery, and carrots first. This allows them to soften and release their flavors.
- Heat oil on medium, add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and herbs last! This keeps them fragrant without burning, just cook for a minute before adding broth.
Perfectly cooked veggies will make your soup not just tasty but also colorful and appealing. Enjoy making it just right!
Chicken and Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chicken and rice soup requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can expect to spend around 40 minutes to make a delicious, homemade soup that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and the onion is translucent. This step adds a wonderful flavor base to your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Herbs:
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the dried thyme and parsley. Cook everything together for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
3. Bring in the Broth:
Now it’s time to add the chicken broth. Pour it into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. The bubbling broth will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!
4. Add the Rice:
Once boiling, it’s time to add the rinsed rice. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. The rice will soak up the flavors and become tender.
5. Incorporate the Chicken:
When the rice is almost done (about 5 minutes remaining), add the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir it in and let everything simmer together until the chicken is warmed through.
6. Season to Taste:
Now comes the final touch! Season your soup with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Give it a good stir to mix everything well.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Chicken and Rice Soup is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if you like. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this comforting meal!
This soup is satisfying, cozy, and perfect for those cool days when you want something warm and filling. Enjoy every spoonful! 😊
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Definitely! Brown rice is a healthier alternative, but it does take longer to cook. If using brown rice, you may need to simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender. Just keep an eye on the liquid level, adding a bit more broth if needed!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or even water in a pinch. Just remember to season accordingly, as water will not add flavor on its own.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To keep it fresh, let it cool completely before sealing. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up as the rice absorbs liquid over time.
Can I Add Additional Vegetables?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Just add them in with the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant and tender.
