There’s nothing like a warm, comforting bowl of chicken rice soup to chase away the chill of winter. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something hearty, this chicken rice soup is the perfect go-to. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor thanks to the use of Tilda’s Ready-To-Eat Wholegrain rice. Plus, it comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Method
Preparing the Base
To start, grab a large pot and place it over medium heat. Add the butter to the pot and let it melt completely. As the butter melts, prepare the vegetables. Dice the carrots and onions into small, even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Once the butter is hot and bubbling, add the diced carrots and onions to the pot. Sauté them gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The goal is to soften the vegetables and bring out their natural sweetness, so keep cooking until the onions turn translucent and the carrots are tender. This should take about 5 minutes.
Building the Flavor
Next, add the minced garlic to the softened vegetables. Garlic has a tendency to burn quickly, so stir it constantly and cook just for a minute until it releases its aroma. Immediately after, pour in the chicken broth. The broth will not only add richness to the soup but also help deglaze the pot, lifting any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Season the broth with thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow the soup to come to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat slightly. Let the flavors mingle for about 15 minutes, giving the thyme a chance to infuse the broth with its subtle, earthy notes.
Adding Chicken and Rice
Now it’s time to add the heart of the dish – the chicken and rice. Make sure your chicken breasts are pre-cooked and cubed into bite sized pieces. Add them to the simmering broth, along with the packet of Tilda Wholegrain Basmati Rice. The convenience of using pre-cooked chicken and quick-heating rice means the soup comes together quickly without sacrificing texture. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the pot, giving the soup a touch of brightness that balances the savory depth.
Final Touches
Stir the soup well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, just long enough to warm the chicken through and allow the rice to soak up the broth’s flavors. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. If the broth tastes slightly flat, a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper might do the trick.
Serving the Soup
Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a soft dinner roll for the ultimate cozy meal. Enjoy your delicious, hearty chicken rice soup while it’s still warm and comforting.
Necessary Tools
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Ladle
Chicken Rice Soup Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes25
minutes30
minutesIngredients
6 cups chicken broth
2 chicken breasts, cubed (previously boiled)
1 packet of 2-minute Ready-to-Heat TILDA Steamed Wholegrain Basmati Rice (250g)
2 carrots, diced
1 large onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp thyme
½ lemon
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Directions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced carrots and onions and sauté until they are softened and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the cubed chicken, the Tilda Wholegrain Basmati Rice, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the soup.
- Don’t overcook the rice, as it can become mushy. Adding it toward the end helps maintain its texture.
- Adjust salt gradually, as broth and pre-cooked chicken may already contain some saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a warm, buttery dinner roll.
- Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a dash of chili flakes for extra flavor.
Fun Fact
Did you know that basmati rice has a lower glycemic index compared to other types of rice? This makes it a great choice for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
This chicken rice soup is more than just a meal, it’s comfort in a bowl. The hearty chicken, tender vegetables, and wholegrain rice come together beautifully, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also nourishing. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something warm and satisfying. Enjoy.
