Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken and Rice Soup made with tender shredded chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy rice simmered in a flavorful broth. This easy-to-make, gluten-free soup is perfect for a cozy meal and can be enhanced with a squeeze of lemon or creamy additions for extra richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
Protein
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Simmer Broth and Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the uncooked long-grain white rice, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Incorporate Chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes to heat the chicken through thoroughly.
- Season and Final Touches: Season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference. If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot for a warming meal.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for a nuttier flavor; just be sure to increase the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of sour cream just before serving.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and convenient.
- The lemon juice enhances the soup’s brightness but is optional depending on your preference.
