Chicken and Rice Soup
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<p>You know that feeling when the sky outside is gray, and you just crave something warm and comforting? That's when I whip up my Chicken and Rice Soup. This recipe is like a hug from the inside—it wraps you in warmth and fills you up with nostalgia. I remember the first time I made it during a particularly chilly winter evening; the aroma danced through my kitchen, and my family came bustling in, asking what was cooking. It’s a dish that has become a staple in our home, a reliable companion on those days when you need a little comfort and a lot of love.</p>
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<p>Now, why do I adore this recipe? Well, let me tell you! It’s incredibly satisfying, simple to make, and packs a punch of flavor without fuss. It's one of those meals that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen, even if you’re truly just a home cook honing your skills. Plus, it’s versatile; you can load it with all sorts of veggies or switch up the herbs to suit your mood. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the comforting world of Chicken and Rice Soup!</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reasons to try it</h2>
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<p>What makes this Chicken and Rice Soup special? For starters, it's the ultimate in comfort food. Imagine a bowl brimming with tender chicken, wholesome rice, and fragrant vegetables swimming in a savory broth. The marriage of flavors is nothing short of magical. Each spoonful feels like a love letter to your taste buds, hitting all the right notes—hearty, soothing, and utterly satisfying.</p>
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<p>Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly wholesome. Loaded with lean protein from the chicken, nourishing carbs from the rice, and a medley of veggies, it’s a complete meal in a single bowl. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect after a long day or on a lazy Sunday, when you just want to savor something warm and soothing. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or that random cup of rice languishing in your pantry!</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gather these ingredients</h2>
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<p>Ready to bring this delicious soup to life? Here’s what you’ll need:</p>
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<li><strong>1 tablespoon olive oil</strong>: This will be your flavor base that adds depth and richness to the soup. You can use other oils, but olive oil lends a wonderful taste.</li>
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<li><strong>1 onion, diced</strong>: A staple in many dishes, onions bring sweetness and earthiness to the mix. Don’t be shy—use a large onion for extra flavor!</li>
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<li><strong>2 carrots, diced</strong>: These add sweetness and a vibrant splash of color. You could also swap them for parsnips for a unique twist.</li>
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<li><strong>2 celery stalks, diced</strong>: Celery brings a lovely crunch and freshness. It’s a crucial player in your mirepoix, the holy trinity of flavor!</li>
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<li><strong>2 cloves garlic, minced</strong>: Because what’s a soup without garlic? It adds depth and a bit of warmth to the flavor profile.</li>
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<li><strong>8 cups chicken broth</strong>: Store-bought is totally fine, but homemade is even better. It’s like liquid gold for soups! Low-sodium options give you better control over saltiness.</li>
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<li><strong>2 cups cooked chicken, shredded</strong>: Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saver or leftover cooked chicken. The meat should be tender and flavorful!</li>
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<li><strong>1 cup uncooked rice</strong>: Basmati or jasmine adds a nice touch, but any white rice will do. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding wild rice instead!</li>
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<li><strong>1 teaspoon dried thyme</strong>: An essential herb in many soups, thyme offers an earthy, aromatic flavor. Fresh thyme can substitute if you have it on hand!</li>
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<li><strong>Salt and pepper to taste</strong>: Always adjust to your personal preference. Remember, seasoning is key to bringing all the flavors to life.</li>
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<li><strong>Fresh parsley for garnish</strong>: This is optional, but a sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a lovely burst of color and freshness to your finished bowl.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preparing Chicken and Rice Soup</h2>
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<p>Time to transform these ingredients into a hearty meal! Here’s how to do it step-by-step:</p>
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<li>In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough that it shimmers but not so hot that it smokes.</li>
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<li>Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these beauties for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally so they don't stick.</li>
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<li>Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just an extra minute; garlic can burn quickly, and nobody likes burnt garlic!</li>
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<li>Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a rolling boil. This is where the magic starts to happen!</li>
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<li>Add the rice, shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir so everything combines evenly—think of it like a supportive hug!</li>
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<li>Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 20 minutes or until the rice is perfectly tender. Your kitchen is about to smell like heaven!</li>
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<li>After simmering, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best way to enjoy it</h2>
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<p>This soup shines as the star of the show, but if you’re looking for the perfect accompaniments, consider crusty bread or a light salad on the side. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add another layer of flavor if you’re feeling cheeky! And for those wanting a bit of crunch, some wholesome crackers can be delightful, too. Pair it with family, friends, or just a good book, and let the flavor of the soup work its comforting magic.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Keeping leftovers fresh</h2>
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<p>If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it usually vanishes quickly!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you decide to freeze, let it cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, where it will be good for about a month.</p>
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<p>When you're ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it seems a bit thick—you want that comforting soup quality back!</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pro chef tips</h2>
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<li>Feeling adventurous? Toss in some spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of nutrition.</li>
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<li>If you want to save time, use pre-cooked or shredded chicken from the store—easy peasy!</li>
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<li>Remember to season your broth before adding more salt; different brands can vary in saltiness.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recipe variations</h2>
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<p>Now, let’s talk flavors! Here are some variations to shake things up:</p>
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<li><strong>Spicy Kick</strong>: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat—turn up the flavor dial!</li>
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<li><strong>Herb Garden</strong>: Swap the dried thyme for fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a bright and refreshing twist.</li>
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<li><strong>Vegetable Lovers</strong>: Toss in your favorite veggies like peas or bell peppers for additional nutrients and color.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ingredients</h2>
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<li>1 tablespoon olive oil</li>
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<li>1 onion, diced</li>
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<li>2 carrots, diced</li>
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<li>2 celery stalks, diced</li>
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<li>2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
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<li>8 cups chicken broth</li>
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<li>2 cups cooked chicken, shredded</li>
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<li>1 cup uncooked rice</li>
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<li>1 teaspoon dried thyme</li>
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<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
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<li>Fresh parsley for garnish</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Directions to follow</h2>
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<li>Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.</li>
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<li>Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened (5-7 minutes).</li>
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<li>Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.</li>
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<li>Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil.</li>
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<li>Add rice, chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.</li>
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<li>Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.</li>
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<li>Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Your questions answered</h2>
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<li><strong>Can I use brown rice instead of white?</strong> Yes, but remember that brown rice takes longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes.</li>
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<li><strong>What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth?</strong> Vegetable broth or water with added herbs and seasoning works well.</li>
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<li><strong>How spicy can I make this soup?</strong> Adjust the spice level to your liking! Start with a pinch of cayenne and build from there.</li>
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<li><strong>Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?</strong> Absolutely! Follow the same steps, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.</li>
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<li><strong>Is it okay to freeze this soup?</strong> Yes, just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.</li>
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<p>There you have it! This Chicken and Rice Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a flavor-packed embrace on a chilly day, nourishing both body and soul. I can’t wait for you to try it! Feel free to add your own twists, experiment a little, and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!</p>
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Print
Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A comforting Chicken and Rice Soup that wraps you in warmth with tender chicken, wholesome rice, and aromatic vegetables in a savory broth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add the rice, shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken soup, comfort food, easy soup, hearty soup, winter recipe, cozy meal
