Description
This comforting Easy Chicken and Rice Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any day. Featuring tender shredded chicken, aromatic vegetables, and wholesome rice simmered in a savory chicken broth, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth (or more as needed)
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Fresh lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Place a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened. Then add the minced garlic, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf; cook for an additional 1 minute to release their aromas.
- Add Broth and Main Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the uncooked long grain white rice and shredded cooked chicken. Season the soup with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup cook until the rice is tender, about 25 to 30 minutes. If the rice absorbs too much broth and the soup becomes too thick, add 1 to 2 additional cups of broth to maintain a good consistency.
- Serve Soup: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Finish each serving with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for brightness and added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- If using refrigerated cooked chicken, shred it finely to ensure even distribution throughout the soup.
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth to achieve your preferred soup thickness.
- Fresh herbs like thyme can be replaced with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable; use about 1 teaspoon dried.
- Add extra vegetables such as peas or corn for added texture and flavor.
- For a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
