Chicken and Rice Soup

A warm and comforting bowl of goodness, perfect for chilly days or when you need a little pick-me-up. This soup is hearty, flavorful, and brings back special memories.

Ingredients

Spices:

• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• ½ cup chopped carrots
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 ¼ lbs bone-in chicken breast
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Rice:

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or 2 ¼ cups cooked rice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Soup Base

1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

2. Simmer the Soup

1. Add the spices, soy sauce, hot sauce, chicken, and chicken broth to the pot.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer (avoid boiling to keep the chicken tender).
3. Partially cover the pot and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Discard the bones and return the shredded chicken to the pot.

3. Cook the Rice Separately

1. In a medium pot, bring 1 ½ cups of chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add the uncooked rice, stir to coat, and bring to a boil again.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes to fluff.

4. Assemble and Serve

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, if needed.
2. To serve, spoon rice into bowls and ladle the soup over the top. For leftovers, store the soup and rice separately to prevent the rice from soaking up too much broth.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy while hot.

Tips for Success

• Cooking Tip: Cooking the rice separately ensures it doesn’t absorb too much broth and keeps leftovers fresh.
• Rice Variations: Different types of rice may require adjustments in water and cooking time. Follow package instructions as needed.
• Freezer-Friendly: Both the soup and rice freeze well. Store them in separate airtight containers and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy and Comforting: Perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing meal.
• Simple and Nostalgic: Easy to make and filled with flavors that remind you of home.
• Flexible: Use cooked rice for a quicker option or customize with your favorite vegetables