Chicken and Rice Meal Soup

Name: Chicken and Rice Meal Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 carrots (sliced); 2 stalks celery (chopped); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 1/2 litres chicken broth (low-sodium); 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded); 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed); 1 bay leaf; to taste salt and pepper

60 min 6 servings Easy

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Chicken and Rice Meal Soup

A hearty and comforting chicken and rice meal soup perfect for chilly days.

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Total

60 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

When the weather turns cold, there's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken and rice meal soup. This dish combines tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and satisfying rice to create a complete meal in a bowl. Not only is it delicious, but it's also a great way to make use of any leftover chicken you might have. This soup is inspired by traditional Québec recipes, offering a rich and nourishing option for lunch or dinner. With its simple ingredients and hearty texture, it's a favourite among families looking for a quick and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Servings

Soup Ingredients

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.

Add Vegetables

Add carrots and celery to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Season the Soup

Stir in dried thyme and rosemary, allowing them to release their flavours, about 1 minute.

Add Broth and Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the rinsed rice and bay leaf.

Pro tip: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming too sticky.

Cook the Rice

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Pro tip: Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Add Chicken and Season

Stir in the shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.

Pro tip: Check the soup's seasoning before serving and adjust as needed.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use leftover chicken to save time and add more flavour.</li><li>Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt content.</li><li>Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.</li><li>Adjust seasoning to taste once the soup is fully cooked.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chicken and rice meal soup with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. This soup pairs well with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea. To make ahead, prepare the soup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth or water if it thickens too much. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to 3 months.