Healthy Chicken and Rice Soup (Print Version)

A wholesome blend of chicken, vegetables, and rice cooked together for a warm satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

→ Grains

08 - 2/3 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 3/4 teaspoon salt
15 - Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

→ Fats

16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned on the surface.
04 - Add rice, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
07 - Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley.
08 - Discard bay leaf and ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • One-pot wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot for easy preparation and minimal cleanup
  • Nutrient-packed: Loaded with lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains for a balanced meal
  • Family-friendly: Mild, comforting flavors that appeal to all ages
  • Budget-friendly: Simple, affordable ingredients that deliver big on taste
  • Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully
  • Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite vegetables or grains
02 -
  • Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level to your preference
  • Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice—it prevents the soup from becoming gummy
  • Add the greens at the end to preserve their color and nutrients
  • Store leftovers separately from the broth if possible, as rice continues to absorb liquid
  • A splash of lemon juice just before serving brightens all the flavors
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