Cozy Comforting Chicken Rice Soup
A warm and hearty chicken rice soup that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy rice, perfect for chilly days and family dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 leaf bay leaf
Seasonings
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Liquid and Chicken
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth plus more if needed
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken preferably leftover
Rice and Finishing Touches
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice, for serving
- Chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken stock or broth and bring to a boil.
Cooking
- Stir in the uncooked rice and shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- If a thinner consistency is desired, add 1-2 cups more broth.
Serving
- Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle soup into bowls and finish with lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread.
Notes
For best flavor, use homemade broth. Adjust vegetable varieties as desired. Remember that rice absorbs broth, so add more when reheating leftovers.