Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a hearty dish that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken breasts, chicken broth, rice, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the Crockpot.
- Step 2: Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Step 3: Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the soup. Stir well and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery before adding them to the Crockpot.
- Substitute brown rice, but increase cooking time as it takes longer to soften.
- Add fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The rice may absorb more liquid as it sits, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time by about 1 hour on low or 30 minutes on high to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.
Is it possible to make this soup without a Crockpot?
Absolutely. You can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering all ingredients in a large pot. Cook covered over low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the rice and chicken are fully cooked.
PrintCrockpot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
This comforting Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup features tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with fragrant herbs, vegetables, and long-grain rice in a flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for an easy, hearty meal that requires minimal prep and delivers rich, homey flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare soup ingredients: Dice the carrots, celery, and onion, mince the garlic cloves, and measure out the chicken broth, rice, and dried thyme. This ensures all components are ready for the slow cooker step.
- Combine ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the Crockpot. Add the chicken broth, long-grain rice, diced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the soup: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Shred the chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the Crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir well.
- Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm. The rich broth with tender chicken and vegetables makes for a nourishing and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for long-grain rice but increase the cooking time accordingly.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs such as parsley or a bay leaf during cooking and remove before serving.
- This soup freezes well; store portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving, especially if using low-sodium broth.
- Shredding the chicken before serving helps distribute protein evenly throughout the soup.
Keywords: chicken soup, crockpot recipe, slow cooker chicken and rice, easy chicken soup, comforting soup
