A hot pot of Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup is a simple to make and filling comfort food staple that’s perfect for a cool day. Ready to eat in just 45 minutes.
In a dutch oven, over medium high heat. Heat olive oil and melt the butter.
Add onion, carrot and celery, and cook for 5 minutes.
Add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds.
Add flour, stir and cook for 1 minute.
Pour chicken stock, add the chicken breasts, bay leaf, dried herbs, salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes.
Add the rice and cook uncovered while stirring regularly for 15 minutes (you don’t want the rice to stick to the bottom of the pot).
Remove from heat, discard bay leaf, take the chicken out (and make sure it reaches 165°F/74°C) and shred it then return it.
Taste the soup and adjust seasonings to your preference. If using fresh parsley, stir it in. For freshness, you can stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
Notes
Use thighs instead of breasts to give this soup an extra rich flavor. Chop them or shred them after cooking.