Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup (200g) white rice (long grain or basmati)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups (1.5L) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: juice of 1 lemon or a splash of lemon juice
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Cook the Rice:
   • Add the rice to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and water, and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add the Chicken and Simmer:
   • Return the chicken to the pot. If using whole pieces, you can leave them whole or shred them after they cook.
   • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Season the Soup:
   • Add the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. If you want a bit of acidity, add the lemon juice at this point.
   • If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • If you left the chicken whole, remove it from the pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

This soup is perfect for a cozy meal, and it’s quite versatile—you can add other vegetables, or even substitute the rice with noodles or a different grain. Enjoy!