Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for any day of the year. Tender chicken breasts simmered with fresh vegetables, garlic, and spices meld together with chicken broth and rice to create a warming, flavorful soup that requires minimal effort. Ideal for busy schedules, this recipe uses a slow cooker to gently cook all ingredients to perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 9 cups chicken broth
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons butter
Grain
- 1 cup uncooked rice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken breasts, celery, carrots, onion, chicken broth, bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, minced garlic, and butter into your slow cooker. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker carefully. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces before returning it back into the pot.
- Add Rice and Continue Cooking: Stir in 1 cup of uncooked rice into the soup. Cover again and cook on low for an additional 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and enjoy this comforting meal immediately.
Notes
- Use white long-grain rice for best results; brown rice may require longer cooking time.
- For a lower fat option, substitute butter with olive oil or omit it completely.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, decrease the amount of chicken broth slightly or add more rice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American