Easy Chicken Rice Soup (Printable Version)

Hearty chicken and rice soup with vegetables cooked together for a simple, flavorful dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Rice

06 - 2/3 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Liquids

07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter

→ Seasonings & Herbs

09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

→ Finishing Touches

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in chicken pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned on the outside.
04 - Add rice, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
07 - Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
08 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • A simple, nourishing one-pot meal combining tender chicken and fluffy rice.
  • Easy preparation with fresh vegetables and herbs for a balanced flavor.
  • Flexible for dietary needs, dairy-free if you use olive oil.
  • Perfect for busy days with minimal cleanup.
02 -
  • Use olive oil for a dairy-free option and to keep the dish light.
  • Check broth labels carefully if you have dietary sensitivities.
  • Leftovers thicken as the rice absorbs liquid; add broth when reheating to restore soup consistency.
  • Sauté vegetables over medium heat to release maximum flavor without burning.
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