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Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup

A comforting soup packed with tender chicken, rice, and fresh vegetables, perfect for chilly evenings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken Shredded or diced. Use leftovers from a roast or rotisserie chicken.
  • 1 cup white rice Long grain rice works beautifully; can substitute with brown rice or quinoa.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies.
  • 1 medium onion Diced. Adds subtle sweetness and aromatics.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced. Infuses the soup with incredible flavor.
  • 3 medium carrots Chopped. Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness.
  • 2 stalks celery Chopped. Adds crunch and depth.
  • 6 cups chicken broth Low-sodium is best for controlling salt levels.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme For subtle earthiness; fresh thyme can also be used.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Enhances all the flavors.
  • to taste Fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onions, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the veggies are tender.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, letting them cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the white rice and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fluffy.
  2. Add the cooked chicken to the pot, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to heat through, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.
  4. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley.

Notes

This soup is perfect for leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen it up. Consider adding seasonal vegetables for extra flavor.