Description
A comforting and cozy chicken, leek, and rice soup filled with tender chicken, sweet leeks, hearty rice, and flavorful vegetables in a light, savory broth. Perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 large leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup uncooked white rice
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Place your soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and let it warm up.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the olive oil or butter, then stir in the sliced leeks, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf and thyme. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
- Assemble the Dish: Stir in the uncooked rice. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, partially covered, until the rice is almost tender.
- Cook to Perfection: Add the shredded chicken and continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes until everything is warmed through and the rice is fully cooked.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, top with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
- Add the rice later if planning to freeze the soup.
- Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for a creamy version.
- Rinse sliced leeks thoroughly to remove hidden grit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: chicken leek rice soup, cozy soup, weeknight dinner, one pot meal, easy chicken soup