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To make this cozy slow cooker chicken and rice soup, gather these key items: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup brown rice, thoroughly rinsed - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 2 cups water - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds - 2 celery stalks, diced evenly - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 1 cup frozen green peas - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) To make your soup even more inviting, consider these extras: - Crusty bread or crackers for dipping - Lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze - Extra parsley for a burst of green You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer taste. - Swap brown rice with white rice if you prefer a softer texture. - Vegetable broth can stand in for chicken broth for a vegetarian option. - If you don’t have thyme or rosemary, try Italian seasoning for a different flavor. First, grab your slow cooker. Place one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom. This step helps it cook evenly. Next, get your veggies ready. You will need one medium onion, two medium carrots, and two celery stalks. Dice the onion finely, slice the carrots into rounds, and dice the celery. Add these veggies over the chicken in the cooker. Now it’s time to add more flavor. Mince three cloves of garlic and sprinkle them over the chicken and veggies. After that, take one cup of rinsed brown rice and spread it evenly on top. Pour in four cups of low-sodium chicken broth and two cups of water. This creates a warm, hearty base. Next, toss in one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of dried rosemary, and one bay leaf. Add salt and freshly cracked pepper to your taste. Gently stir to mix without disturbing the chicken too much. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. You can set it to cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. If you’re busy, the low setting works great. After cooking, check the chicken. It should shred easily with a fork. Remove it, shred it, and return it to the soup. Stir in one cup of frozen green peas and two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cook for an extra ten to fifteen minutes on high until the peas are tender. Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy! To boost the flavor of your soup, use fresh herbs. Add thyme and rosemary in the beginning. For extra zest, squeeze some lemon juice at the end. You can also add a splash of soy sauce for depth. Another trick is to sauté the onion, carrots, and celery before adding them. This builds a rich base and adds sweetness. A common mistake is not rinsing the rice. Rinsing removes excess starch, helping the soup stay clear. Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should shred easily but not be dry. Also, don’t skip the salt. Proper seasoning enhances all flavors. Lastly, be careful with the bay leaf. Remember to remove it before serving! For the ideal soup texture, balance the liquid. Use enough broth and water, but not too much. If it’s too thick, add more broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it cook longer to thicken. Stir gently when adding peas to keep the rice intact. Adjust the consistency to match your taste! {{image_4}} You can easily change the ingredients to fit different diets. If you're vegan, swap the chicken for tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For gluten-free options, pick rice that is certified gluten-free. You can also use quinoa as a nutritious substitute. You can adjust the soup based on the season. In spring, add fresh asparagus or baby spinach for a vibrant touch. In fall, use diced butternut squash or sweet potatoes for warmth. You might also toss in seasonal herbs like basil in summer or sage in winter. If you like heat, you can spice things up. Add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the mix. For a smoky flavor, include a touch of chipotle in adobo sauce. You can also stir in some hot sauce right before serving for an extra kick. To store leftovers, let the soup cool down. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Make sure to divide the soup into smaller portions. This helps with quick meals later. You can freeze the soup for later use. First, cool the soup completely. Then, fill freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the bags with the date. This way, you can enjoy it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. For quick reheating, use the microwave or a pot on the stove. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of water or broth. Heat until it's hot and ready to enjoy again! Yes, you can use brown rice in this soup. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. It may change the cooking time slightly. Just make sure to rinse it well before adding. You can store chicken and rice soup in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Always check the smell and look before warming it up. If your soup turns out too thick, you can easily fix it. Just add a bit of water or chicken broth while reheating. Stir it well to mix in the liquid. Keep adding until it reaches your desired consistency. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it properly in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove when you're ready to enjoy it. This blog post covers everything you need to make chicken and rice soup. We explored core ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for the best flavor. You learned about variations to fit your diet and how to store leftovers properly. In the end, you have all the tools to create this comforting dish. Enjoy trying out different flavors and sharing it with friends and family. Cooking should be fun and easy, and now you are ready to dive in!

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup

Warm up with this delicious Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup that's perfect for any day! Packed with tender chicken, hearty brown rice, and fresh vegetables, this recipe is a comforting standout. Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Ready in just a few hours, it's sure to become a family favorite. Click through to discover how simple it is to make this cozy meal today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup brown rice, thoroughly rinsed

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups water

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds

2 celery stalks, diced evenly

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

1 cup frozen green peas

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the crockpot for even cooking.

    Evenly distribute the diced onion, sliced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic over the chicken. This will create a flavorful bed for the chicken to cook on.

      Sprinkle the rinsed brown rice atop the vegetables, ensuring it spreads out evenly. Then carefully pour in the chicken broth followed by the water to create a hearty base.

        Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Gently stir the mixture to combine without displacing the chicken too much.

          Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule.

            Once cooking time is up, check if the chicken is thoroughly cooked by ensuring it shreds easily with a fork. Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it, then return the shredded chicken to the soup.

              Stir in the frozen peas and freshly squeezed lemon juice, ensuring everything is well mixed. Allow it to cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peas are tender and heated through.

                Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or freshly cracked pepper based on your preference.

                  Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 6-8 hrs (slow cooker) | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a cozy meal, and add lemon wedges for guests to squeeze more fresh juice into their soup if they desire. Enjoy!