Cozy Chicken & Rice Soup: A Heartwarming Recipe for Any Season

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• 0 to taste salt and pepper
• 1 medium lemon, juiced
• 0 to taste fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, carrots, and celery, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add the dried thyme and rosemary, mixing well to release their flavors for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, add the long-grain rice and lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
6. Mix in the shredded chicken and chopped spinach or kale, letting everything heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the fresh lemon juice just before serving.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.