Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Soup : This slow-cooker classic combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection for a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
- Set-it-and-forget-it: Perfect for busy schedules.
- Nutritious and wholesome: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Customizable: Adapt it to your taste with ease.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry staples.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken and Rice Soup
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, opt for bone-in chicken and remove the bones after cooking.
- Avoid Mushy Rice: If you prefer firmer rice, add it in the last hour of cooking.
- Thickening Options: Add a slurry of cornstarch and water if you like thicker soup.
- Freezing Tip: Cook the rice separately if planning to freeze; this prevents it from becoming mushy during reheating.
Variations to Try
- Keto-Friendly: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red chili flakes for heat.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
This soup is a meal in itself, but you can elevate the experience with these serving ideas:
- With Bread: Pair with crusty sourdough or garlic bread.
- Toppings: Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or grated Parmesan.
- As a Starter: Serve smaller portions as a cozy appetizer for a larger meal.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use precooked chicken?
Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking to warm through.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use brown rice or wild rice. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Skip the cream or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to include zucchini, peas, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
Is it okay to cook on high instead of low?
Yes, but cooking on low yields more tender chicken and better flavor.
crockpot chicken and rice soup
Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Soup : This slow-cooker classic combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection for a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 4 carrots, 3 celery stalks, ½ onion (all diced)
- 2 tsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup brown rice (rinsed), 1½ lbs chicken (breasts or thighs)
- 6-8 cups chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf, 6 thyme sprigs
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a nonstick pan, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté carrots, celery, and onion until softened (8-10 minutes). Add garlic, salt, and pepper; cook 30 more seconds.
- Transfer veggies to a greased Crock Pot. Add rice, arrange chicken on top, and pour in 6 cups of chicken stock. Toss in the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours (or high for 2½-3½ hours), until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked (165°F internally).
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme stems.
Take out the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Stir in the lemon juice (if using). - Adjust stock for desired soup consistency, season to taste, and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1012Total Fat: 40gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 164mgSodium: 3070mgCarbohydrates: 80gFiber: 2gSugar: 32gProtein: 77g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a comforting tradition that fits seamlessly into any lifestyle. From its ease of preparation to its customizable options, this dish is perfect for families, singles, and everyone in between. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this soup will never disappoint.
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