Chicken Vegetable Rice (Print Version)
Enjoy this comforting, hearty blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice. A perfect and nourishing meal for any day.
# What You Need:
→ Poultry
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 ounces), diced
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 1/2 cups green beans, cut into 0.8-inch pieces
08 - 2/3 cup frozen peas
→ Grains
09 - 2/3 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
→ Broth and Seasonings
10 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# How to Prepare:
01 - In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the diced chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes, just until the chicken becomes opaque on the outside.
04 - Add the rinsed rice, green beans, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
05 - Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice and vegetables are tender.
06 - Add the frozen peas and continue to simmer for an additional 3–4 minutes.
07 - Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf.
08 - Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chasing away any chill.
- You can customize the vegetables endlessly based on what's fresh or what you have on hand.
02 -
- Overcooking the rice is a common pitfall; it can turn mushy and absorb too much broth, so stick to the recommended simmer time.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings at the very end; broth sodium levels can vary, and your soup needs that perfect balance.
03 -
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred in right before serving brightens the whole dish beautifully.
- This soup freezes wonderfully; portion leftovers into individual containers for quick, comforting meals later.