Cozy Chicken & Rice Soup (Perfect for Cold Days!)
This hearty and comforting Chicken and Rice Soup is made with tender chicken, long-grain rice, carrots, celery, and a flavorful broth. Seasoned with thyme, rosemary, and a splash of lemon juice, it's a perfect cozy dish for any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for a burst of freshness
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into small bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook faster and ensures each spoonful of soup has tender chicken.
- Sauté the Vegetables: 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 the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Chicken: Add the cut chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- Add the Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and water, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boilover medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure the rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the Seasoning: After the rice is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If you prefer a brighter flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to give the soup a fresh and zesty kick.
- Serve and Garnish: Once your soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. This adds a lovely burst of color and extra flavor to your warm bowl of goodness.
Notes
Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you want an even more flavorful broth, consider using bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can easily remove the bones after cooking. The added marrow helps enhance the soup's richness.
Brown Rice Option: If you prefer a heartier soup, you can substitute white rice for brown rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the soup for extra nutrients and flavor. Consider adding spinach, peas, or corn for a delicious twist.
Make It a Slow Cooker Recipe: For an even easier option, you can make this soup in the slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients (except for the lemon juice and garnishes) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the lemon juice just before serving.