Hey there, fellow soup lovers!
As we continue our Soupy September journey, I’ve had a chance to experience the true magic of homemade soup firsthand. You see, I recently found myself feeling a bit under the weather – a case of the sniffles that left me longing for comfort and warmth. I knew we had this soup on the menu, and I was so relieved. The frozen chicken stock we lovingly prepared earlier in our Soupy September adventure came to my rescue, as did the serendipitous planning. As I held that container of frozen stock in my hands, I couldn’t help but appreciate the foresight. It was as if my earlier self knew that a moment like this would come, and boy, was I grateful. In the midst of my sniffles and sneezes, that homemade chicken stock became my secret weapon for whipping up a pot of Chicken and Rice Soup.
The Healing Power of Soup
You see, there’s a reason chicken soup is often dubbed “nature’s penicillin.” Beyond its deliciousness, it holds a certain magic that warms not just the body but the soul. As I simmered that stock, added tender chicken, wholesome rice, and a medley of vegetables, I felt the embrace of comfort wrapping around me.
Chicken soup isn’t just a remedy; it’s a bowl of nourishment that offers solace with every spoonful. The steam rising from the pot, the aroma filling the kitchen – they worked together to create a sense of well-being that extended far beyond my taste buds. The reminded me of the cult classic of books, “Chicken Soup for the Teenaged #####”, and how even the simple mention of chicken soup can provide an element of healing so strong it compelled an entire series of books.
As I sipped that first spoonful of Satisfying Chicken and Rice Soup, I was reminded of the beauty in simplicity. The gentle simmering, the careful seasoning – they were all acts of love that resulted in a bowl of comfort. And in that moment, I was reminded that sometimes the best medicine comes in the form of a cherished family recipe.
Now, as you venture into your own kitchen to create Satisfying Chicken and Rice Soup, I encourage you to infuse your own essence into each step. Season with care, stir with intention, and let the act of cooking become a source of comfort for you and your loved ones.
Satisfying Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook until they are no longer pink in the centre, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside the stock for a few moments and return the pot to the stove.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the white rice and dried thyme. Stir for a few moments to coat the rice in the flavourful aromatics. Pour in the remaining chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender.
- Add Chicken: Once the rice is cooked, add the shredded or diced chicken back into the pot and let it warm through for a few minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the Satisfying Chicken and Rice Soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
A Homestyle Embrace
So whether you’re battling a cold or simply seeking a taste of pure comfort, remember the magic that a homemade bowl of soup can offer. You might be wondering how this soup is different than our chicken noodle soup that I simply used rice in- the truth is, its not all that different. A few herb swaps. I wanted to include this recipe to show you how easy making soup can be if you prepare ingredients in advance. I had leftover chicken and chicken stock from our earliest soupy adventures.. I also had a bunch of cleaned carrots and celery leftover from making veg stock. So this soup was really only a few moments of work- something I really needed while feeling under the weather. Plus- It’s not just about ingredients; it’s about the intention, the care, and the love that go into every simmer and stir.
As you enjoy the soothing warmth of this soup, may you find both nourishment and a touch of homestyle magic in every spoonful!
ps- sorry theres not many photos.. as I mentioned, I’m not feeling great! 😀
