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To make this simple and tasty chicken and rice soup, gather these ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup jasmine rice, thoroughly rinsed - 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium) - 2 carrots, peeled and diced - 2 stalks celery, chopped - 1 small onion, finely diced - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste - 1 cup frozen peas - Juice from 1 fresh lemon - Fresh parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish) Each serving of this chicken and rice soup is packed with nutrition. Here’s a quick look at what you get: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 40g - Fat: 6g - Fiber: 2g This soup is low in fat and rich in protein and carbs, making it a cozy choice for any meal. If you need to swap out some items, here are some ideas: - Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option. - Rice: Substitute with brown rice or quinoa for a different texture. - Broth: Vegetable broth works well for a lighter flavor. - Vegetables: Add bell peppers, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition. - Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or dill can replace thyme for a new taste. These substitutions help you make this soup work for your pantry or dietary needs. Enjoy creating your version! Start by gathering your ingredients. You need chicken breasts, jasmine rice, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, a bay leaf, olive oil, and peas. 1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot, place the olive oil over medium heat. Wait until it shimmers. 2. Add the vegetables: Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften and the onion to look clear. 3. Incorporate garlic: Stir in the minced garlic. Cook this for one minute. The smell should fill your kitchen. 1. Add chicken and broth: Place the chicken breasts into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth. Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. 2. Bring to a boil: Turn up the heat until the mixture boils. Then, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. 3. Cook the chicken: Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the chicken cooks fully (165°F or 75°C inside). 1. Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it cool. Use two forks to shred it into smaller pieces. 2. Add rice: Stir in the rinsed jasmine rice into the pot. Cover it again and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The rice should be tender. 3. Finish the soup: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the frozen peas and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. 4. Serve: Remember to take out the bay leaf. Serve hot in bowls. Top with fresh parsley for a nice touch. For the complete recipe, visit [Full Recipe]. To make your chicken and rice soup shine, focus on fresh ingredients. Start with quality chicken broth. Low-sodium broth gives you control over salt levels. Add fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for a bright taste. A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavor too. You can also toss in some fresh garlic for depth. One big mistake is overcooking the chicken. Remove it from the pot once it reaches 165°F. Letting it simmer too long can make it dry. Another common error is not rinsing the rice. Rinsing removes excess starch, which helps keep the soup clear. Avoid adding too much water or broth. You want a nice balance of soup and rice. For a creamy texture, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk. Stir it in after you add the chicken back to the pot. You can also blend a portion of the soup. Use an immersion blender to create a creamy base while keeping some chunks intact. This mix gives you both texture and creaminess in every spoonful. Follow the [Full Recipe] for a step-by-step guide to making this comforting dish. {{image_4}} You can easily add veggies to your chicken and rice soup. Chopped carrots, celery, and peas work well. You can also try adding spinach, kale, or zucchini for more color and nutrition. These vegetables add flavor and make your soup more filling. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they will stay bright and fresh. If you like a kick, make a spicy version. Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of hot sauce or a spoonful of sriracha can also spice things up. Just keep in mind to adjust the salt. You want a balance of flavors. This spicy twist can warm you up on a cold day! Using a slow cooker makes this recipe even easier. Simply add all your ingredients into the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. Plus, you can come home to a warm, tasty meal. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps and measurements. After you finish your chicken and rice soup, let it cool down. This helps keep the soup fresh. Transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it. If you want to save some soup for later, freezing works great. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat your soup, pour it into a pot. Heat it on medium-low heat. Stir it often to ensure it warms evenly. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also microwave it in a safe bowl. Heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. This ensures every bite is warm and tasty. Enjoy your cozy meal! For the full recipe, check out the Cozy Chicken & Rice Delight section. Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and is more nutritious. However, it takes longer to cook. You should adjust the cooking time. Add brown rice early when you add the broth, and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes. This way, the rice becomes tender and blends well with the soup. To make the soup gluten-free, you need to check a few things. First, use a gluten-free chicken broth. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Also, make sure your rice is certified gluten-free. Jasmine rice is usually safe, but always check the label. By following these steps, your soup will be gluten-free and just as tasty. You can serve many tasty sides with your soup. Here are some great options: - A fresh green salad - Crusty bread or rolls - Garlic breadsticks - Steamed vegetables These sides will make your meal complete and satisfying. For more ideas, feel free to check the Full Recipe and explore different serving suggestions. We reviewed the key steps to make Chicken and Rice Soup, from choosing the right ingredients to cooking methods. You learned helpful tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. Variations and storage details ensure this dish suits your taste and convenience. Trust these insights to create a tasty soup every time. Enjoy warm bowls of nourishment that you made with care. Happy cooking!

Chicken and Rice Soup

Discover the comforting flavors of Cozy Chicken & Rice Delight, a simple and satisfying recipe perfect for any night of the week. This dish combines tender chicken, aromatic veggies, and jasmine rice in a flavorful broth, making it a family favorite. Ready to cozy up with a bowl? Click through to explore step-by-step instructions and presentation tips that will make mealtime a delightful experience for everyone!

Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup jasmine rice, thoroughly rinsed

6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)

2 carrots, peeled and diced

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 small onion, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

1 cup frozen peas

Juice from 1 fresh lemon

Fresh parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they soften and the onion turns translucent.

    Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot, and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

      Carefully add the chicken breasts to the pot, ensuring they are nestled amidst the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

        Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes, checking to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

          After the chicken has cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Stir in the rinsed jasmine rice into the broth, cover the pot again, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice becomes tender and absorbs the flavorful broth.

            While the rice is cooking, shred the chicken using two forks, pulling it apart into bite-sized pieces. Once the rice is done, return the shredded chicken to the pot.

              Gently fold in the frozen peas along with the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

                Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf for a cleaner presentation and flavor.

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the warm chicken and rice delight hot in bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. A slice of lemon can be placed on the side for those who enjoy an extra burst of citrus flavor.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6