Comfort in a Bowl: Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s simmered slowly to bring out all the rich flavors. Our Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender pieces of chicken, nutritious vegetables, and hearty rice in a savory broth. This recipe is perfect for busy families, as it requires minimal preparation and lets the slow cooker do all the work. Whether you're looking for a warming meal on a cold day or a nourishing dish when you're feeling under the weather, this soup is a perfect choice. Let’s dive into this easy, delicious, and soul-soothing recipe.

Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional for a fresh finish)

Instructions:

Preparing the Ingredients:

1. Start by preparing your vegetables: chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots and celery.
2. If using chicken breasts, you can leave them whole as they will shred easily once cooked. If using thighs, you can cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Assembling the Soup:

1. Place the chicken (whole breasts or cut-up thighs) in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery on top of the chicken.
3. Pour the uncooked rice over the vegetables and chicken.
4. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients, ensuring everything is well submerged.

Cooking:

1. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
2. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts if using, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the frozen peas and continue to cook until the peas are heated through.

Finishing the Soup:

1. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
2. If you like, stir in the juice of one lemon for a fresh, bright finish.
3. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Preparation Time:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total time: Approximately 6-8 hours

Servings:

• Serves 6-8

Our Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful, hearty soup that’s sure to warm you from the inside out. Serve it up with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal that will satisfy the whole family. Enjoy the comforting and nourishing goodness of this slow-cooked delight, and let it become a staple in your home-cooked repertoire.