Chicken and Rice Soup is a nutritious, hearty one-pot meal, perfect for both lunch and dinner. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, it's not only flavorful but also a comforting choice for those under-the-weather days.
In a pan over medium heat, heat the oil. Add bay leaves, onion, and garlic. Sauté until they become aromatic.
Add celery and carrots. Season with salt and continue sautéing until the vegetables soften.
Stir in chili sauce and oregano. Add the chicken breast, ensuring it's well-coated in the sauce.
Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, rice, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat. Let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and flavors to meld.
Remove the chicken breast, shred it using a fork, and set aside. Continue simmering the soup until the rice is fully cooked.
Return the shredded chicken to the soup, stirring gently. Note: Basmati rice typically cooks in 15 minutes, but other rice types might need more or less time.
Check the flavor and adjust salt as needed. Add black pepper for extra heat if desired. Remember, chicken broth often contains salt, so add cautiously.
Finish with a garnish of parsley leaves. Give the soup a final gentle stir before removing it from the heat.
To Serve
Enjoy this comforting Chicken and Rice Soup on its own or pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Notes
Here are some tips to elevate your Chicken and Rice Soup:
Flavorful Broth: For a rich, flavor-packed soup, using chicken broth or stock is key. This simple choice significantly enhances the soup's taste.
Chicken Choices: Cooking chicken with the rice in the broth adds depth to the flavor. If time is limited, opt for pre-cooked options like leftover roasted, baked, or rotisserie chicken.
Rice Cooking Method: To create a convenient one-pot meal, cook the rice with the chicken. For batch cooking and freezing, consider cooking rice separately to prevent it from absorbing too much broth, which can alter taste and texture.
Rice Varieties: This recipe uses long-grain basmati rice, but it's adaptable to your preferred type, like white, brown, or jasmine rice. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the rice you choose.
Salt Consideration: Since chicken broth often contains salt, taste your soup before adding more. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance.