Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup

Homemade chicken and rice soup is a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for cold days or when you need a comforting meal. Here's a recipe to guide you:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
2. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the cooked chicken and uncooked rice to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Cover the pot and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
7. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
8. Serve the homemade chicken and rice soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

This homemade chicken and rice soup is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. It's a great way to use leftover chicken and is sure to warm you up on a chilly day. Enjoy it as a complete meal or pair it with a side salad or crusty bread.