Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup

Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup

Introduction

Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and rice, all simmered together in a flavorful broth.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is simple to make and requires basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken or to cook up a batch for meal prep. Plus, this soup freezes well, so you can enjoy it later! Making your own chicken soup allows you to control the flavors and make adjustments to suit your tastes.

How to Make Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 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, grated
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, garlic salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
4. Add the chicken thighs and rice. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
5. Stir in the parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Mix well.
6. Add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the soup if desired.
7. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of soup!

How to Serve Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can enjoy it alone or pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad on the side. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle some extra parsley on top before serving.

How to Store Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup

To store the soup, let it cool completely and then transfer it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time; just shred the meat and add it to the soup.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less cornstarch mixture.

Variation

You can make a lighter version of this soup by using low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and omitting the parmesan cheese. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free chicken broth and cornstarch.

Q: Can I add noodles instead of rice?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute rice with egg noodles or any pasta of your choice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Enjoy making and serving this delightful Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup for a cozy meal!