Description
This Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and rice in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cold days or when you need a nourishing meal, this easy one-pot soup is simple to make and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re meal-prepping or cooking for the family, this homemade soup is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 1 tsp chicken stock powder (or 1 bouillon cube)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ lbs skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
- ¾ cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in diced carrots and celery, cooking for another minute.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth, water, chicken stock powder, dried herbs, bay leaf, and black pepper. Stir, then add chicken thighs.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Skim off any foam for a clearer broth.
- Add Rice: Remove lid, add uncooked rice, stir, and cover again. Simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken thighs, shred the meat with two forks, and discard bones. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For best texture, store the rice separately from the broth if planning to refrigerate leftovers.
- Rice options: White rice cooks quickly, while brown rice requires a longer simmer time.
- Slow cooker method: Follow the same steps but cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add cooked rice in the last 30 minutes.
- Gluten-free tip: Ensure chicken stock powder and broth are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
