Description
Imagine a bowl of warmth filled with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and garden-fresh vegetables, all simmered in a seasoned, aromatic broth. This Healthy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food—wholesome, easy to make, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, healthy lunch prep, or food ideas to soothe the soul, this easy recipe checks every box. Perfect for chilly nights, sick days, or when you just need a feel-good meal. Packed with protein and naturally gluten-free, it’s a nourishing hug in a bowl. Say goodbye to bland soup nights—this one delivers every time!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, covered.
- Remove chicken, shred it with forks, then return to the pot.
- Add rice and simmer uncovered for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender.
- Adjust seasoning. Stir in lemon juice and parsley just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes