Description
A quick and comforting Cheats Chicken & Rice Soup that combines tender shredded chicken, hearty rice, and flavorful vegetables simmered in a savory broth. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a nourishing meal any day of the week and can be made with either uncooked or pre-cooked rice for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup uncooked white rice or 2 cups cooked rice
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes until they become slightly softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute to release its flavor, careful not to let it brown.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Rice: If using uncooked rice, add it now. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender. If using cooked rice, simmer the soup for 10 minutes before adding the rice to avoid mushiness.
- Add Chicken: Add the cooked shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon juice if using to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve the soup warm for a hearty and soothing meal.
Notes
- Using pre-cooked chicken and rice makes this soup fast and convenient; rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut.
- For added nutrition, stir in some fresh spinach at the end of cooking.
- For a richer soup, add a splash of cream just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
