At a glance
| Prep | Cook | Total | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 55 minutes | 6 servings |
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, brightens the finish)
Instructions
- Warm the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and add the chicken thighs, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Lift the chicken out onto a cutting board. While it cools slightly, stir the rice into the pot and simmer, uncovered, for 15–18 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the pot. Remove the bay leaf, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the parsley and lemon juice, if using, right before serving.
Make it your own
Orzo or another small pasta works in place of rice if that's what's in your pantry. A rotisserie chicken is a legitimate shortcut — skip simmering raw thighs and stir in the shredded meat during the last few minutes instead. A couple of handfuls of chopped kale or spinach, stirred in at the end, is an easy way to add more vegetables without changing the character of the soup.
Storing leftovers
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion the broth and chicken without the rice (rice turns mushy after freezing) for up to 3 months, and cook fresh rice when you reheat.
Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, Rooted Seasons may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure for details. This recipe is for general information and isn't professional medical, dietary, or nutritional advice — if you have specific health or allergy concerns, please check with a doctor or dietitian.
