There’s something undeniably cozy about a steaming bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup. Picture this: tender chicken, fluffy rice, and an array of colorful vegetables all swimming in a savory broth that practically begs you to take another spoonful. Chicken Spatzle Casserole The aroma wafts through your home like a warm hug, inviting everyone to gather around the dinner table.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a nostalgic experience. I remember my mom making this soup on chilly Sunday afternoons. We’d huddle together on the couch, wrapped in blankets, while the delicious scent filled the air, promising comfort and warmth. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need nourishment without fussing over the stove.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup is not only easy to prepare but also deeply satisfying. You can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand. The enticing aroma fills your kitchen, making it visually appealing and heartwarming. Perfect for busy days or when you’re feeling under the weather! [/info_box]
I once made this soup for a family gathering, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about how comforting it was. Even my picky cousin went back for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust as needed based on your crowd size.
Long-Grain White Rice: This type gives a lovely texture; avoid instant rice as it won’t hold up in the slow cooker.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Celery Sticks: Celery adds crunch and flavor; choose firm stalks for the best results.
Onion: A diced onion creates a flavor base; sauté briefly before adding to enhance its sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic boosts flavor; use about 3-4 cloves depending on your love for garlic.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness; homemade is best if you have it!
Dried Herbs (Thyme, Oregano): These herbs elevate the soup’s taste; feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is key; adjust according to taste preferences at the end.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon brightens flavors beautifully just before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Air Fryer Hot Honey Salmon Bites.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and chop your veggies into uniform sizes so they cook evenly throughout the soup. It’s like prepping for a fun cooking party!
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and sauté onions until they are translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes should do it. This step enhances their sweetness.
Add Everything to the Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed onions along with chicken breasts, rice, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, herbs, salt, and pepper into your crockpot. It will look vibrant already!
Cook Low & Slow: Set your crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Letting it simmer allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Lemon Juice: Once cooked through and tender, remove chicken breasts to shred them before returning them back into the soup. Stir in lemon juice for that zesty kick just before serving.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle this comforting concoction into bowls—don’t forget some crusty bread on the side! Enjoy with family while basking in those cozy vibes.
Now that you have everything laid out from ingredients to cooking steps let’s get ready for an incredible culinary journey! Trust me; this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup will become one of your go-to recipes whether you’re sick or just want something hearty! Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast Sliders. Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This delightful crockpot chicken and rice soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for busy days. The subtle spices and tender chicken create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to wait for dinner. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your crockpot chicken and rice soup, start by sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This enhances their flavors and sets a delicious base for your soup. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Rotisserie Chicken Soup recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping in your favorite vegetables or using brown rice for added texture. You can even add a splash of lemon juice for brightness or toss in some spinach right before serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For reheating, simply warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts. Be sure to season your rice separately to avoid clumping. Lastly, always taste before serving; sometimes a pinch more salt works wonders. [/info_box]
In my early cooking days, I once made this soup for a family gathering. My aunt declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which left me floating on cloud nine for weeks!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it cooks thoroughly; check that it’s fully cooked before serving.
What kind of rice is best for this soup?
Long-grain white rice works perfectly, but brown rice may require longer cooking time.
How can I make this soup creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving for extra richness.
Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in. This nourishing dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a savory broth. With minimal prep and an enticing aroma, it invites everyone to the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a family or simply craving warmth on a chilly evening, this easy-to-make soup will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping vegetables into uniform pieces.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in oil until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- In your crockpot, combine sautéed onions with chicken breasts, rice, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken and return it to the soup; stir in lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
