Description
This comforting Chicken and Rice Soup combines tender shredded chicken, wholesome rice, and fresh vegetables simmered in a savory homemade broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a nutritious, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Soup Contents
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (from rotisserie or poached)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and release their flavors.
- Add Herbs: Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the herbs to become fragrant and infuse the vegetables.
- Simmer Broth and Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked long grain white rice, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer, and cover the pot. Let it cook for 15–18 minutes or until the rice is tender and cooked through.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and meld with the flavors.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. If desired, stir in chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten and elevate the soup’s flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately for a warm and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice or wild rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
- For a creamier version of the soup, stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end of cooking.
- Leftovers tend to thicken as they cool and sit; add extra chicken broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
