When the cold weather hits, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Chicken and Rice Soup (slow cooker) to comfort your soul. Imagine tender chicken mingling with fluffy rice, all enveloped in a rich, savory broth that warms you from the inside out. savory chicken linguine recipe comforting stuffed pepper soup The aroma wafting through your kitchen as it simmers is enough to make even the grumpiest cat purr with delight. cheesy stuffed flank steak.
This easy slow cooker recipe not only brings back fond memories of cozy family dinners but also beckons you to gather around the table for shared laughter and stories. crockpot butternut squash recipe It’s the perfect dish for those chilly nights when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken and Rice Soup (slow cooker) is incredibly easy to prepare, making dinner a breeze
- The flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion
- With its inviting aroma and delightful presentation, this soup is sure to impress family and friends alike
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what ingredients you have on hand
I’ll never forget the time I made this soup for a gathering, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. They even asked for seconds—proof that this recipe has star power!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Long-Grain White Rice: This rice cooks perfectly in the broth and absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
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Carrots: Freshly chopped carrots add sweetness and vibrant color to your soup.
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Celery: Diced celery contributes a lovely crunch and aromatic essence.
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Onion: Use a medium onion for depth of flavor; sautéing it until soft makes all the difference.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a robust flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
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Dried Thyme: This herb brings an earthy undertone that complements the chicken beautifully.
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Bay Leaves: Including bay leaves adds complexity; just remember to remove them before serving!
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness while still delivering rich flavor.
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Salt and Pepper: Add these seasonings gradually, tasting as you go for perfect balance.
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Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley brightens up your dish with color and freshness when sprinkled on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables: carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. The colorful medley will look beautiful as they cook together.
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer on chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Pour in Broth: Carefully pour chicken broth over everything in the slow cooker until well covered. This liquid gold will be the base of your delicious soup.
Set It and Forget It!: Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Enjoy the heavenly smell filling your home while you wait.
Add Rice Towards End of Cooking Time: About 30 minutes before serving time on high or 1 hour before on low, stir in long-grain white rice so it cooks perfectly without getting mushy.
Shred Chicken Before Serving : Once cooked through, carefully remove chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces before returning them back into the pot.
Taste Test & Adjust Seasoning : Taste your soup! If needed add more salt or pepper according to personal preference—nothing better than tailored flavors!
Serve steaming bowls topped with fresh parsley if desired – enjoy every slurp of this flavorful Chicken and Rice Soup (slow cooker). For more inspiration, check out this chicken and rice bowl recipe recipe.
Cooking should be fun! So put on some music or invite a friend over; let’s make some magic happen in that slow cooker!
You Must Know
- This Chicken and Rice Soup (slow cooker) is not just comforting; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The aroma fills your kitchen, making even the grumpiest of cats purr
- Plus, it’s an effortless way to use up leftover chicken; you’ll feel like a culinary genius!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your Chicken and Rice Soup (slow cooker), start by sautéing your onions and garlic before adding other ingredients. This simple step enhances flavor significantly, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping out rice for quinoa or adding veggies like carrots and celery. Tailoring it to your taste will keep your family guessing what delightful twist you’ll create next time!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, ensuring your soup stays flavorful and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender chicken, avoid overcooking it in the slow cooker; aim for 4-5 hours on low heat
- Always taste for seasoning before serving; you may need a pinch more salt
- When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep it from drying out
I remember the first time I made Chicken and Rice Soup (slow cooker) for my friends. They were skeptical at first but left raving about how it felt like home on a cold day.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, using frozen chicken is fine; just extend cooking time by 1-2 hours.
What type of rice works best for Chicken and Rice Soup (slow cooker)?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice are excellent choices for this soup.
Can I add vegetables to my Chicken and Rice Soup (slow cooker)?
For more inspiration, check out this creamy vegetable soup recipe.
Absolutely! Carrots, peas, or spinach make fantastic additions to enhance nutrition and flavor.
Chicken and Rice Soup (Slow Cooker)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Warm your soul with this easy and comforting Chicken and Rice Soup made in a slow cooker. Perfect for chilly nights, this dish features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich broth filled with aromatic vegetables and herbs. With minimal effort, you can create a nourishing meal that brings family and friends together, making every gathering memorable.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by washing and chopping the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer on the chopped vegetables, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Pour chicken broth over all ingredients until well covered.
- Cover the slow cooker; set on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving (on high) or one hour before (on low), stir in the rice.
- Once cooked through, shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the pot.
- Adjust seasoning as needed; serve hot topped with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (355g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
