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Green Herby Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

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5 from 335 reviews

This Green Herby Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts, aromatic fresh herbs, and wholesome vegetables simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it blends the freshness of parsley and thyme with classic soup ingredients to create a nourishing and satisfying bowl.

Ingredients

Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

Herbs

  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids

  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Others

  • Olive oil (for sautĂ©ing)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add Garlic and Season: Stir in the minced garlic as well as salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
  3. Simmer Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the pot and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
  4. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  5. Add Rice and Herbs: Stir in the long-grain white rice along with the fresh chopped parsley and thyme sprigs. Continue to simmer the soup for another 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through.
  6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but it will require a longer cooking time.
  • For a richer flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before serving.
  • This soup freezes well—store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or peas in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.