Imagine returning home on a chilly evening, the air thick with the scent of savory herbs and tender chicken simmering away. That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup, a bowl of comfort that warms not just your body but your soul. perfect side dish for soup This dish is like a cozy hug wrapped in a fluffy blanket—perfect for those lazy Sundays or when you’re feeling under the weather. savory Brussels sprouts recipe twice baked potato bites.
I remember the first time I made this soup; it was a dreary day, and my family was feeling a bit off. One whiff of this bubbling pot filled the house with warmth, and suddenly, we were all excited about dinner. It has become our go-to remedy for all things gloomy. Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup is truly an experience—an aromatic journey waiting to unfold! For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This comforting soup requires minimal effort while providing maximum flavor satisfaction
- The combination of herbs creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen
- It’s visually appealing with its vibrant colors from fresh veggies and herbs
- You can easily customize it based on what’s in your fridge, making it perfect for any occasion
One chilly afternoon, my friend remarked how this soup could fix anything from bad days to broken hearts.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on your crowd size.
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Long-Grain White Rice: This rice cooks beautifully in the slow cooker and absorbs all the flavors.
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Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness; chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
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Celery: Choose crisp stalks that will soften nicely during cooking, contributing great flavor to the broth.
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Onion: A medium onion brings depth; sauté it lightly before adding for an extra flavor punch.
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Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves—nothing beats that aromatic kick when they hit the pan!
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Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while maintaining rich flavor.
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Dried Herbs (Thyme and Parsley): These elevate the soup’s taste; fresh herbs can be used if available!
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Pepper and Salt: Season to your liking; adjust after tasting for optimal flavor balance.
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Lemon Juice: A splash at the end brightens up all the flavors wonderfully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Veggies!: Start by chopping your onions, carrots, and celery into small pieces. The smaller they are, the faster they’ll cook and blend into that delicious broth.
Sauté Aromatics!: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions until translucent—about five minutes should do it! Add minced garlic towards the end for that lovely aroma without burning.
Layer Ingredients in Your Slow Cooker!: Place chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add sautéed onions, carrots, celery, rice, dried herbs, salt, and pepper next.
Add Broth!: Pour in chicken broth until everything is just covered—this helps create a rich base as it cooks.
Set It & Forget It!: Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. As you go about your day, enjoy those aromatic scents wafting through your home!
Add Final Touches!: Once cooked, shred chicken inside the pot using two forks. Stir in lemon juice right before serving—it’s like giving your soup a burst of sunshine!
Now you have an irresistible bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup! Serve it hot with crusty bread or crackers for dipping. refreshing chicken salad Enjoy every spoonful as you cozy up with loved ones or find solace on a quiet evening alone!
You Must Know
- This comforting Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect solution for busy days
- Its rich flavors and aromas create a warm embrace, making it feel like a hug in a bowl
- Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to add whatever veggies you have on hand
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to release their flavors, then layer in chicken, rice, and broth for maximum taste.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out rice for quinoa or add your favorite vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use bone-in chicken for richer flavor; it makes a huge difference
- Don’t skip the sautéing step; it builds depth in your soup
- Finally, adjust seasoning after cooking; flavors often intensify as it sits!
The first time I made Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup, my friends declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which really made my day!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just add an extra hour of cooking time.
What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice yields the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this soup creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk just before serving for creaminess.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Warm up with a delightful bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and hearty rice, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. With minimal prep time, you can enjoy a rich, flavorful soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare your veggies by chopping the onions, carrots, and celery into small pieces.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic for the last minute.
- Layer the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with sautéed onions, carrots, celery, rice, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth until all ingredients are covered.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken inside the pot with two forks and stir in lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
