Description

There's something inherently soothing about a warm bowl of chicken rice soup. This classic dish combines tender chicken, hearty rice, and aromatic vegetables simmered together in a savory broth, creating the ultimate comfort food that's both nourishing and satisfying

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Method

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Add Vegetables and Herbs:

Incorporate the sliced carrots and celery into the pot, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried oregano, and add the bay leaf. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and the herbs to release their aromas.
Pour in the Broth:

Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the pot, stirring to combine all ingredients. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the Rice:

Once boiling, add the long-grain white rice to the pot. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the broth.
Introduce the Chicken:

Add the cooked, shredded or diced chicken to the pot, stirring to distribute evenly. Allow the soup to continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
Season and Serve:

Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:

For added depth of flavor, consider squeezing a bit of fresh lemon juice into each bowl just before serving. The acidity brightens the soup and complements the savory elements beautifully.

Conclusion:

This chicken rice soup is more than just a meal; it's a comforting embrace in a bowl. Its simplicity and heartiness make it a perfect choice for any day, whether you're seeking warmth on a chilly evening or a nourishing dish to share with loved ones. Enjoy this classic soup, and don't hesitate to explore other comforting recipes to add to your culinary repertoire.