Cozy Winter Chicken Rice Soup (Printable)

Warming one-pot soup with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vegetables—perfect comfort for cold winter evenings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 3 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Rice

07 - 3/4 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Broth & Seasoning

08 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
11 - 2 bay leaves
12 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

→ Finishing Touches

14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
15 - Juice of 1/2 lemon, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chicken breasts, chicken broth, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
04 - Add rinsed rice to the pot, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover with a lid. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
05 - Remove chicken breasts from the pot using tongs. Shred meat with two forks and return to the soup.
06 - Discard bay leaves. Stir in fresh chopped parsley and lemon juice if desired. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • One-Pot Simplicity: Minimizes cleanup by using just one Dutch oven or large pot.
  • Wholesome Nutrition: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables like carrots and celery.
  • Dietary Friendly: Naturally gluten-free, provided you use certified chicken broth.
02 -
  • Consistency Control: If the rice absorbs too much liquid as it sits, add a splash of extra broth when reheating.
  • Safety Check: Always verify that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free if preparing this for anyone with allergies.
  • Flavor Boost: Don't skip the lemon juice; it provides a necessary acidity that balances the earthy thyme and rosemary.
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