Warm up with a comforting bowl of Chicken and Rice Soup with Crispy Garlic Butter. This hearty soup is perfect for those chilly days when you need a bit of warmth and nourishment. With tender chicken, wholesome rice, fresh spinach, and a crispy garlic butter topping, this soup is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup rice (or rice blend)
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the garlic chips from the pot and set them aside on a paper towel to drain. Leave the garlic-infused butter in the pot.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same pot with the garlic-infused butter, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the thyme and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute.
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Cook the Rice:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
- Add the rice (or rice blend) to the pot and cook until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken:
- While the rice is cooking, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine and Finish:
- Once the rice is cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and stir until melted and well combined.
- If desired, add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy garlic chips.
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions if desired.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Rice Soup with Crispy Garlic Butter is a delightful and nourishing dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken and rice with the freshness of spinach and the crunch of garlic chips. It’s perfect for a cozy meal at home and will leave you feeling warm and satisfied. Enjoy each comforting spoonful!