Description
Chicken and Rice Soup
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 carrots (sliced)
2 celery stalks (sliced)
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
3/4 cup uncooked long-grain rice
6 cups chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions
Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add the base: Stir in chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
Cook the rice: Add the uncooked rice to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender.
Add the chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through. Remove the bay leaf.
Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 250 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect soup every time. First, ensure all vegetables are uniformly diced and sliced for even cooking. Heat the olive oil in your pot until it shimmers before adding the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. The goal is to sweat them until fragrant and just tender, not to brown them. Once the broth is added and boiling, rinse your uncooked rice under cold water to remove excess starch, which prevents a gummy texture. Add it to the pot, stir once, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover tightly and set a timer for 15 minutes—avoid lifting the lid. After the rice is tender, stir in the pre-cooked, shredded chicken off the heat and let it warm through in the hot broth for 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile soup pairs beautifully with several sides. For a classic comfort meal, serve it with warm, crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls for dipping. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts the richness perfectly. For added texture, offer toppings like grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a dollop of pesto, or extra chopped herbs. It also makes an excellent packed lunch; store it in a thermos to keep it hot.
How-to Summary
In short, create this comforting chicken and rice soup by sautéing diced vegetables, adding broth and seasonings, simmering with rice until tender, and finishing with pre-cooked chicken. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked chicken? Yes. Add 1-2 raw, diced chicken breasts with the broth. Simmer until cooked through (about 15 mins) before adding the rice.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The rice will absorb broth, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating on the stove.
Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, but adjust cooking times. Brown rice may need 30-40 minutes. Pre-cooked or instant rice should be added with the chicken at the end.
How can I make this soup creamier? Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Is this soup freezer-friendly? It can be frozen, but the rice may become very soft upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the rice, or use barley which freezes better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Rice: Simmer only until al dente, as it will continue to cook off the heat.
- Not Using Pre-Cooked Chicken: Adding raw chicken without adjusting cook time can lead to undercooked meat or mushy rice.
- Boiling Rapidly After Adding Rice: A rapid boil breaks the rice grains, clouding the broth. Maintain a gentle simmer.
- Skipping the Vegetable Sauté: This step builds foundational flavor. Don’t rush it or skip it entirely.
- Forgetting to Remove the Bay Leaf: It can be a choking hazard and becomes bitter if left in too long.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Rice Soup is the epitome of wholesome, comforting cooking. It’s a flexible recipe that yields a nourishing and satisfying meal with minimal effort and cleanup. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master a classic dish that is perfect for any season. Keep this recipe handy for busy weeknights or whenever you need a bowl of reliable comfort.