When you’re looking for a comforting and nourishing meal, Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect choice. It’s a classic dish that offers a balance of flavors, rich in hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and filling rice. Whether you’re seeking warmth on a cold day or an easy weeknight meal, this soup is a go-to option. Using simple ingredients like shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and flavorful herbs, this recipe is both satisfying and nutritious. The addition of spinach or kale gives it an extra nutritional boost, while the rice adds a satisfying texture that makes every spoonful delightful.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, either shredded or chopped (using rotisserie chicken is a great option)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sauté the veggies: In a spacious saucepan, warm some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until aromatic.
- Add the broth and herbs: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the rice: Once the soup is boiling, add the uncooked rice. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the chicken and greens: Stir in the cooked chicken and, if using, the fresh spinach or kale. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the chicken through and wilt the greens.
- Season to taste: Taste the soup and add salt as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor. Serve with crusty bread or on its own for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and filling rice in a savory broth. It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal to enjoy throughout the week. Whether served as a cozy dinner or a light lunch, this soup is versatile, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup: A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups of cooked chicken either shredded or chopped (using rotisserie chicken is a great option)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice or brown rice
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale optional
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the veggies: In a spacious saucepan, warm some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until aromatic.
- Add the broth and herbs: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the rice: Once the soup is boiling, add the uncooked rice. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the chicken and greens: Stir in the cooked chicken and, if using, the fresh spinach or kale. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the chicken through and wilt the greens.
- Season to taste: Taste the soup and add salt as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor. Serve with crusty bread or on its own for a complete meal.