The rich aroma of simmering chicken mingling with earthy rice and vibrant vegetables fills the air, instantly warming your heart and home. This is not just any soup; it’s a cozy blanket in a bowl, perfect for those chilly nights when all you want is comfort food. creamy chicken dish Picture a steaming bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup, with tender chunks of chicken nestled among fluffy rice and colorful veggies, inviting you to take that first delicious spoonful. For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of family gatherings where laughter filled the room like the savory scent wafting from the kitchen. Perfect for lazy weekends or busy weeknights, this soup promises to deliver satisfying flavors that make every bite worth savoring. Get ready for an amazing flavor experience that will have you coming back for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to choice for busy cooks
- It features a delightful blend of flavors that create a warm, comforting dish
- The vibrant colors from fresh veggies make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Versatile enough to customize based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand
One time, I made this soup for a potluck, and everyone asked for the recipe – even the picky eaters were raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 breasts depending on how many hungry bellies you’re feeding. crustless chicken pot pie.
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Long-Grain White Rice: This rice cooks perfectly in the crockpot, absorbing flavors while keeping its texture.
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Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and nutrition; chop them into small pieces for even cooking.
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Celery: A few stalks bring crunchiness and aromatic depth; don’t skimp on these green delights!
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Onion: A medium onion adds savory goodness; sauté until translucent for extra flavor before adding.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic takes this soup up a notch; use at least 3 cloves for a bold kick.
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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Dried Thyme and Bay Leaf: These herbs infuse fantastic aroma; don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!
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Pepper and Salt: Season to taste; remember, you can always add more but can’t take it out.
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Heavy Cream (optional): Add it at the end for a luxurious finish; it makes the soup ultra-creamy!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping all your vegetables: dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince garlic until fragrant fills your kitchen.
Add Everything into the Crockpot: Toss in your chopped chicken breasts along with rice, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and broth into your trusty crockpot. lemon pepper chicken thighs.
Cook Low and Slow: Set your crockpot on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will start smelling like heaven!
Shred the Chicken: When cooking time is up, remove chicken breasts. Shred them easily with two forks before returning them back into the pot.
Add Cream (Optional): If you’re feeling indulgent (who isn’t?), stir in heavy cream now for that delightful richness that makes every spoonful velvety smooth.
Taste and Serve: Adjust seasoning as needed before ladling generous portions into bowls. Don’t forget some crusty bread on the side!
Enjoy making this comforting Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup! You’ll find that this simple recipe brings warmth not only to your stomach but also to your heart! ginger steamed chicken recipe.
You Must Know
- Cooking with a crockpot means flavors meld beautifully over time
- This dish is perfect for busy days when you need a comforting meal ready when you get home
- The aroma alone makes your house feel like a cozy kitchen on a rainy day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to build flavor, then add chicken and broth. Let it simmer for hours, allowing all ingredients to mingle in delicious harmony.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap brown rice for quinoa or add your favorite veggies like carrots or spinach. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Perfectly cooked rice can be achieved by adjusting liquid levels; use less than recommended if you want thicker soup
- Adding lemon juice at the end brightens flavors immensely and balances richness
- Always taste before serving; sometimes it just needs a pinch of salt!
Sharing this soup recipe feels like giving a warm hug to friends and family, especially when they rave about its heartiness during chilly evenings.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, frozen chicken works well; just adjust cooking time accordingly for even cooking.
What can I add for extra flavor?
A splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce adds depth to your soup’s flavor profile.
How do I thicken my soup?
To thicken, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering soup until desired consistency is reached.
Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. The rich aroma will fill your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. With minimal prep and the ability to customize ingredients, this soup is both easy to make and deliciously satisfying. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that brings joy with every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and mincing the garlic.
- Add all ingredients except for heavy cream to the crockpot: chicken breasts, rice, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Once cooking time is up, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
- If desired, stir in heavy cream for added richness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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