Chicken rice soup is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather. Making it in a slow cooker is not only easy but also allows the flavors to develop and the ingredients to become tender and flavorful. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making chicken rice soup in a slow cooker with a simple and easy recipe. So let’s get started!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin making chicken rice soup in a slow cooker, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup of uncooked rice
– 1 medium-sized onion, diced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 6 cups of chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken for the soup. Wash the chicken breasts thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring both sides are seasoned evenly.
Sauté the Vegetables
Next, take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions, chopped carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and aromatic, usually about 5 minutes.
Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Once the vegetables are sautéed, transfer them to your slow cooker. Place the prepared chicken breasts on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
Add the Remaining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Add the uncooked rice and dried thyme. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients.
Cooking in the Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the chicken rice soup cook for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and give it a good stir.
Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or any other herbs and spices you like to enhance the flavor of the soup.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken rice soup is seasoned to your liking, it’s ready to be served. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve the soup hot and enjoy its comforting and flavorful goodness.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, you may need to add a little more chicken broth or water as the rice tends to absorb the liquid over time.
Making chicken rice soup in a slow cooker is not only easy but also results in a flavorful and hearty dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, creating a delicious and comforting soup. So next time you’re in the mood for a warm bowl of chicken rice soup, give this simple and easy recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!