Cosy Chicken and Rice Soup
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Warm, comforting, and nourishing, Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect bowl of coziness for chilly days. This soup features tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and soft carrots and celery in a rich, golden broth. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and great for meal prep or a soothing remedy when you're feeling under the weather.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔️ One-Pot Meal – Easy to make with minimal cleanup! ✔️ Hearty & Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. ✔️ Comforting & Soothing – Perfect for cold days or when you're feeling sick. ✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Freezes well and reheats beautifully. |
Ingredients: (Serves 4-6)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
¾ cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2️⃣ Season the Broth: Add salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir for 30 seconds to release flavors.
3️⃣ Simmer the Soup: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4️⃣ Add Rice & Chicken: Stir in uncooked rice and shredded chicken. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
5️⃣ Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice for extra freshness.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
¾ cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2️⃣ Season the Broth: Add salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir for 30 seconds to release flavors.
3️⃣ Simmer the Soup: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4️⃣ Add Rice & Chicken: Stir in uncooked rice and shredded chicken. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
5️⃣ Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice for extra freshness.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!
Variations & Add-Ons:
🥦 Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or peas for more greens.
🌾 Grain Swap: Use quinoa, orzo, or farro instead of rice.
🥛 Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer soup.
🔥 Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
🍋 Greek-Style: Whisk 2 egg yolks with lemon juice and stir in for a creamy avgolemono-style soup.
Serving Suggestions:
🥖 With Crusty Bread: Serve with garlic bread or warm baguette.
🥗 With a Side Salad: Pair with a light Greek or Caesar salad.
🧀 With Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or feta adds extra depth.
Tips for the Best Chicken & Rice Soup:
✔️ Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.
✔️ Add more broth if the rice absorbs too much liquid while cooking.
✔️ For meal prep: Store in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
✔️ For reheating: Add a splash of broth or water to thin out the soup if it thickens too much.
🥦 Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or peas for more greens.
🌾 Grain Swap: Use quinoa, orzo, or farro instead of rice.
🥛 Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer soup.
🔥 Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
🍋 Greek-Style: Whisk 2 egg yolks with lemon juice and stir in for a creamy avgolemono-style soup.
Serving Suggestions:
🥖 With Crusty Bread: Serve with garlic bread or warm baguette.
🥗 With a Side Salad: Pair with a light Greek or Caesar salad.
🧀 With Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or feta adds extra depth.
Tips for the Best Chicken & Rice Soup:
✔️ Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.
✔️ Add more broth if the rice absorbs too much liquid while cooking.
✔️ For meal prep: Store in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
✔️ For reheating: Add a splash of broth or water to thin out the soup if it thickens too much.