This hearty chicken and rice soup is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, nourishing, and full of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory vegetables in a flavorful broth.
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Add chicken, broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot. Add rice and simmer for 15–18 minutes.
Stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
To avoid mushy rice, use cooked rice and add at the end.
For a creamy version, stir in ½ cup of cream at the end.
Store leftovers up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freeze without rice for best texture upon reheating.
Keywords: chicken and rice soup, healthy chicken soup, chicken soup recipe, homemade soup, easy chicken and rice soup, comfort food soup, winter soup, gluten-free soup
Find it online: https://simpelrecipes.com/chicken-and-rice-soup/