This homemade chicken and rice soup is the perfect comfort food for any season. It’s incredibly flavorful, easy to make, and can be prepared on the stovetop or in a crockpot. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a warming meal on a chilly day or a nourishing dish when you’re feeling under the weather, this chicken and rice soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- Olive oil (for drizzling and cooking)
- 1 ½ tablespoons complete seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon better than bouillon base
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 6 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup rice
- Additional fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Prep the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts in the middle.
- Drizzle with olive oil and rub it in.
- Season the chicken with 1 ½ tablespoons of complete seasoning on both sides.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Cook until golden brown on both sides (you don’t need to cook them through, just get some color).
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Prepare the Soup Base:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
Add Seasonings and Broth:
- Add 1 tablespoon of better than bouillon base and stir well.
- Add thyme, parsley, and dill. Fry for a couple of minutes to release the flavors.
- Pour in 6 ½ cups of chicken broth and add the chicken back into the pot.
- Season the broth with additional chicken bouillon, a bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes to cook the chicken thoroughly.
Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks or by hand.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Cook the Rice:
- Add ⅓ cup of rice to the pot (you can adjust the amount based on your preference for brothiness).
- Cover and let simmer for another 20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the flavors have melded together.
Serve:
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley.
- Enjoy your homemade chicken and rice soup!
Serving Suggestions: Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It’s also great with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, use bone-in chicken pieces and remove the bones before shredding.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth or add more rice.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings or to have leftovers for the week.
Nutritional Benefits: This soup is rich in protein from the chicken and packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and herbs. The rice provides a good source of carbohydrates, making this a balanced and wholesome meal.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bouillon and seasonings.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the butter or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Low-Fat: Use skinless chicken breasts and reduce the amount of oil and butter.
Storage:
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and versatility. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and savory broth makes this soup a go-to for any occasion.
Conclusion:
This homemade chicken and rice soup is a delicious and nutritious option for any meal. Whether you’re making it on a cozy night in or sharing it with loved ones, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this flavorful soup! Feel free to ask if you need any more information or have other recipes in mind!