Chicken and Rice Soup
Introduction
Chicken and Rice Soup is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. It’s packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients. This soup is great for sharing with family and friends!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is easy to make and doesn’t take a lot of time. It’s the kind of food that wraps you in a warm hug. Plus, it’s full of healthy veggies and protein, making it a wonderful choice for any day of the week!
How to Make Chicken and Rice Soup
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 10 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound chicken thighs, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup dry long grain rice
- 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, garlic salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
- Add the chicken broth and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the chicken thighs and rice. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer until the rice is cooked, about 15-20 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Add this mixture to the soup along with the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir well and heat through.
- Remove the bay leaf, stir in fresh parsley, and serve hot.
How to Serve Chicken and Rice Soup
Serve the Chicken and Rice Soup hot in bowls. It’s perfect paired with some crusty bread or a simple salad. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little more parsley on top for flavor!
How to Store Chicken and Rice Soup
To store any leftovers, let the soup cool down, then place it in airtight containers in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!
Tips to Make Chicken and Rice Soup
- Use leftover chicken to save time.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Adjust the spices to suit your taste!
Variation
You can turn this soup into a creamy version by adding more heavy cream or using half-and-half. You can also add different herbs like rosemary for a twist!
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels of any packaged items.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Just add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Enjoy!
