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Pagosa Recipes

Easy Chicken and Rice Soup Simple Comfort Meal

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To make this easy chicken and rice soup, gather the following items: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great) - 1 cup long-grain rice - 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This soup is not just tasty but also healthy. Here is a quick look at the nutrition: - Calories: About 300 per serving - Protein: 25 grams - Carbohydrates: 35 grams - Fat: 7 grams - Fiber: 3 grams This soup packs a punch with protein and veggies. It helps keep you full and energized. You can switch some ingredients to fit your taste or needs: - Olive oil: Use butter or coconut oil instead. - Chicken: Try turkey or tofu for a different flavor. - Rice: Quinoa or barley works if you want a twist. - Kale or spinach: Use any leafy green you like, such as Swiss chard. - Herbs: Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a brighter taste. Feel free to mix and match these options. This flexibility makes the soup fit many diets and preferences. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, chicken broth, cooked chicken, rice, kale, salt, pepper, and parsley. First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, toss in the diced carrots and celery. Cook these for another 5 to 6 minutes. You want them to soften a little but still hold their shape. Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Let the herbs cook for about 1 minute to release their scents. This step adds a nice flavor to your soup. Now, pour in the chicken broth. Raise the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. Once it boils, add the long-grain rice and shredded chicken. Lower the heat and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Check the rice for tenderness. When the rice is ready, stir in the chopped kale or spinach. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the greens wilt. Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. - When sautéing the onion and garlic, keep an eye on them. You don’t want them to brown too much. - If you like a crunch, you can add the carrots and celery later. - Feel free to adjust the herbs based on your taste. Fresh herbs can also work well here. - Make sure to use good-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. - If you want more greens, add extra kale or spinach. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cooking Time: 30 minutes - Total Time: 40 minutes This soup makes about 4 to 6 servings, perfect for a cozy meal. You can find the full recipe on the website and enjoy this simple comfort meal. To make your chicken and rice soup creamier, add a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese. This rich addition will elevate the soup's texture. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option. Stir the cream in just before serving, so it warms up but does not curdle. Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread. The bread soaks up the soup and adds crunch. You can also pair it with a simple green salad. This adds freshness and balances the warm flavors. For a fun twist, top the soup with crispy fried onions or homemade croutons for extra texture. One common mistake is overcooking the rice. It can turn mushy and lose its shape. Always check the rice at the end of the cooking time. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste your soup before serving and adjust with salt and pepper. Lastly, don't skip the fresh herbs. They add brightness and flavor to your soup. For the full recipe, check the link. {{image_2}} You can make this soup lighter without losing flavor. Here are some easy swaps: - Use low-sodium chicken broth to cut back on salt. - Swap out regular rice for brown rice for more fiber. - Choose skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat to reduce fat. - Add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrients. You can easily turn this soup into a veggie delight. Simply: - Replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. - Add tofu for protein and a nice texture. - Include more greens, like Swiss chard or mushrooms, for depth. Boost the taste of your soup with these add-ins: - Stir in a splash of lemon juice for brightness. - Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. - Mix in fresh herbs like basil or dill just before serving. - Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness. For the full recipe, check out Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup. The variations help you customize the dish to fit your taste and health needs. Enjoy experimenting! After enjoying your Easy Chicken and Rice Soup, let it cool. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This soup tastes even better the next day! If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top because the soup will expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just label the container with the date. To reheat your soup, first, thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. Heat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring often. If it's too thick, add a bit of water or broth. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Always check that it’s hot all the way through before serving. Enjoy your cozy meal again! Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra texture. It takes longer to cook, so adjust your time. Brown rice usually needs 30-40 minutes to cook fully. This will change the soup's overall cooking time. Just be patient; the flavors will blend well. You can store chicken and rice soup in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool before putting it in a container. Seal it tightly to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it instead. This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out. Just store it in individual containers. This way, you have easy meals ready for busy days. Plus, the flavors get better as it sits! For the full recipe, check out my Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup. This blog post covered key details for making a delicious chicken and rice soup. We explored the necessary ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance your dish. You learned about healthier options and how to store your leftovers. Remember, the right ingredients and careful cooking can make a big difference. Avoid common mistakes to ensure great flavors. Enjoy your soup, and don't forget to customize it to your taste! You now have the tools to create a comforting meal anytime you need it.

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Looking for a warm and filling meal that’s easy to make? You’ll love this Easy Chicken and Rice Soup. It needs just a few simple ingredients and steps. This cozy dish is perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Join me as we dive into a comforting recipe that’s not only tasty but also nutritious. Get ready to whip up a bowl of happiness!

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Ingredients

List of Ingredients

To make this easy chicken and rice soup, gather the following items:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutritional Information

This soup is not just tasty but also healthy. Here is a quick look at the nutrition:

  • Calories: About 300 per serving
  • Protein: 25 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 35 grams
  • Fat: 7 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams

This soup packs a punch with protein and veggies. It helps keep you full and energized.

Possible Substitutions

You can switch some ingredients to fit your taste or needs:

  • Olive oil: Use butter or coconut oil instead.
  • Chicken: Try turkey or tofu for a different flavor.
  • Rice: Quinoa or barley works if you want a twist.
  • Kale or spinach: Use any leafy green you like, such as Swiss chard.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a brighter taste.

Feel free to mix and match these options. This flexibility makes the soup fit many diets and preferences. For the full recipe, check out the details above.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Detailed Cooking Process

Start by gathering your ingredients. You need olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, chicken broth, cooked chicken, rice, kale, salt, pepper, and parsley. First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes.

Next, toss in the diced carrots and celery. Cook these for another 5 to 6 minutes. You want them to soften a little but still hold their shape. Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Let the herbs cook for about 1 minute to release their scents. This step adds a nice flavor to your soup.

Now, pour in the chicken broth. Raise the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. Once it boils, add the long-grain rice and shredded chicken. Lower the heat and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Check the rice for tenderness.

When the rice is ready, stir in the chopped kale or spinach. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the greens wilt. Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Each Cooking Step

  • When sautéing the onion and garlic, keep an eye on them. You don’t want them to brown too much.
  • If you like a crunch, you can add the carrots and celery later.
  • Feel free to adjust the herbs based on your taste. Fresh herbs can also work well here.
  • Make sure to use good-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
  • If you want more greens, add extra kale or spinach.

Cooking Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

This soup makes about 4 to 6 servings, perfect for a cozy meal. You can find the full recipe on the website and enjoy this simple comfort meal.

Tips & Tricks

How to Make the Soup Creamier

To make your chicken and rice soup creamier, add a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese. This rich addition will elevate the soup’s texture. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option. Stir the cream in just before serving, so it warms up but does not curdle.

Best Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread. The bread soaks up the soup and adds crunch. You can also pair it with a simple green salad. This adds freshness and balances the warm flavors. For a fun twist, top the soup with crispy fried onions or homemade croutons for extra texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overcooking the rice. It can turn mushy and lose its shape. Always check the rice at the end of the cooking time. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste your soup before serving and adjust with salt and pepper. Lastly, don’t skip the fresh herbs. They add brightness and flavor to your soup. For the full recipe, check the link.

Variations

Healthier Ingredient Swaps

You can make this soup lighter without losing flavor. Here are some easy swaps:

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to cut back on salt.
  • Swap out regular rice for brown rice for more fiber.
  • Choose skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat to reduce fat.
  • Add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Vegetarian or Vegan Adaptations

You can easily turn this soup into a veggie delight. Simply:

  • Replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Add tofu for protein and a nice texture.
  • Include more greens, like Swiss chard or mushrooms, for depth.

Flavor Enhancements and Add-ins

Boost the taste of your soup with these add-ins:

  • Stir in a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
  • Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Mix in fresh herbs like basil or dill just before serving.
  • Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness.

For the full recipe, check out Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup. The variations help you customize the dish to fit your taste and health needs. Enjoy experimenting!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

After enjoying your Easy Chicken and Rice Soup, let it cool. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This soup tastes even better the next day!

Freezing Instructions

If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top because the soup will expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just label the container with the date.

Reheating Tips

To reheat your soup, first, thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. Heat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring often. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water or broth. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Always check that it’s hot all the way through before serving. Enjoy your cozy meal again!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra texture. It takes longer to cook, so adjust your time. Brown rice usually needs 30-40 minutes to cook fully. This will change the soup’s overall cooking time. Just be patient; the flavors will blend well.

How long can I keep chicken and rice soup in the fridge?

You can store chicken and rice soup in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool before putting it in a container. Seal it tightly to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it instead.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out. Just store it in individual containers. This way, you have easy meals ready for busy days. Plus, the flavors get better as it sits! For the full recipe, check out my Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup.

This blog post covered key details for making a delicious chicken and rice soup. We explored the necessary ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance your dish. You learned about healthier options and how to store your leftovers. Remember, the right ingredients and careful cooking can make a big difference. Avoid common mistakes to ensure great flavors. Enjoy your soup, and don’t forget to customize it to your taste! You now have the tools to create a comforting meal anytime you need it.

To make this easy chicken and rice soup, gather the following items: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great) - 1 cup long-grain rice - 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This soup is not just tasty but also healthy. Here is a quick look at the nutrition: - Calories: About 300 per serving - Protein: 25 grams - Carbohydrates: 35 grams - Fat: 7 grams - Fiber: 3 grams This soup packs a punch with protein and veggies. It helps keep you full and energized. You can switch some ingredients to fit your taste or needs: - Olive oil: Use butter or coconut oil instead. - Chicken: Try turkey or tofu for a different flavor. - Rice: Quinoa or barley works if you want a twist. - Kale or spinach: Use any leafy green you like, such as Swiss chard. - Herbs: Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a brighter taste. Feel free to mix and match these options. This flexibility makes the soup fit many diets and preferences. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, chicken broth, cooked chicken, rice, kale, salt, pepper, and parsley. First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, toss in the diced carrots and celery. Cook these for another 5 to 6 minutes. You want them to soften a little but still hold their shape. Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Let the herbs cook for about 1 minute to release their scents. This step adds a nice flavor to your soup. Now, pour in the chicken broth. Raise the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. Once it boils, add the long-grain rice and shredded chicken. Lower the heat and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Check the rice for tenderness. When the rice is ready, stir in the chopped kale or spinach. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the greens wilt. Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. - When sautéing the onion and garlic, keep an eye on them. You don’t want them to brown too much. - If you like a crunch, you can add the carrots and celery later. - Feel free to adjust the herbs based on your taste. Fresh herbs can also work well here. - Make sure to use good-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. - If you want more greens, add extra kale or spinach. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cooking Time: 30 minutes - Total Time: 40 minutes This soup makes about 4 to 6 servings, perfect for a cozy meal. You can find the full recipe on the website and enjoy this simple comfort meal. To make your chicken and rice soup creamier, add a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese. This rich addition will elevate the soup's texture. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option. Stir the cream in just before serving, so it warms up but does not curdle. Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread. The bread soaks up the soup and adds crunch. You can also pair it with a simple green salad. This adds freshness and balances the warm flavors. For a fun twist, top the soup with crispy fried onions or homemade croutons for extra texture. One common mistake is overcooking the rice. It can turn mushy and lose its shape. Always check the rice at the end of the cooking time. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste your soup before serving and adjust with salt and pepper. Lastly, don't skip the fresh herbs. They add brightness and flavor to your soup. For the full recipe, check the link. {{image_2}} You can make this soup lighter without losing flavor. Here are some easy swaps: - Use low-sodium chicken broth to cut back on salt. - Swap out regular rice for brown rice for more fiber. - Choose skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat to reduce fat. - Add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrients. You can easily turn this soup into a veggie delight. Simply: - Replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. - Add tofu for protein and a nice texture. - Include more greens, like Swiss chard or mushrooms, for depth. Boost the taste of your soup with these add-ins: - Stir in a splash of lemon juice for brightness. - Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. - Mix in fresh herbs like basil or dill just before serving. - Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness. For the full recipe, check out Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup. The variations help you customize the dish to fit your taste and health needs. Enjoy experimenting! After enjoying your Easy Chicken and Rice Soup, let it cool. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This soup tastes even better the next day! If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top because the soup will expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just label the container with the date. To reheat your soup, first, thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. Heat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring often. If it's too thick, add a bit of water or broth. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Always check that it’s hot all the way through before serving. Enjoy your cozy meal again! Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra texture. It takes longer to cook, so adjust your time. Brown rice usually needs 30-40 minutes to cook fully. This will change the soup's overall cooking time. Just be patient; the flavors will blend well. You can store chicken and rice soup in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool before putting it in a container. Seal it tightly to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it instead. This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out. Just store it in individual containers. This way, you have easy meals ready for busy days. Plus, the flavors get better as it sits! For the full recipe, check out my Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup. This blog post covered key details for making a delicious chicken and rice soup. We explored the necessary ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance your dish. You learned about healthier options and how to store your leftovers. Remember, the right ingredients and careful cooking can make a big difference. Avoid common mistakes to ensure great flavors. Enjoy your soup, and don't forget to customize it to your taste! You now have the tools to create a comforting meal anytime you need it.

Easy Chicken and Rice Soup

Warm up with a bowl of cozy chicken and rice soup that’s perfect for any chilly day! This comforting recipe features tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and fresh veggies all simmered in a rich broth. It's easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a weeknight favorite. Get ready to nourish your soul with this delightful dish. Click through to discover the full recipe and start cooking your new favorite soup today!
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Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)

1 cup long-grain rice

1 cup kale or spinach, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables soften slightly.

      Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary, letting the herbs fragrance the mixture for about 1 minute.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.

          Once boiling, add the long-grain rice and shredded chicken. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

            Stir in the chopped kale or spinach, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.

              Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve with crusty bread for a comforting meal.

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