Description
This comforting chicken and rice soup is quick, easy, and full of flavor. Made with tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and long-grain rice, it’s the perfect dish for chilly days or busy weeknights. In just 35 minutes, you can have a hearty, nourishing soup that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped small
- 3 sticks celery, chopped small
- 3 medium carrots, peeled & sliced thin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 uncooked chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 8 cups chicken broth (two 32 oz. cartons)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (e.g., jasmine)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aroma.
3. Add chicken thighs, sliced carrots, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rice to the pot.
4. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally, ensuring the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom.
5. Continue simmering for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, the carrots have softened, and the rice is tender.
6. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it or cut it into bite-sized pieces. Add it back to the pot.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper, and stir in fresh parsley, if using. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Leftovers will absorb the broth, so you may need to add extra chicken broth when reheating to restore its soupy consistency. If you prefer firmer rice, cook it separately and add it when serving. If using chicken breasts, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safely cooked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg