When the weather gets chilly or you’re just in need of a comforting dish, Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup becomes your best friend. This wholesome soup, filled with tender chicken, rice, and vegetables, is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. By letting your slow cooker do the work, you can set it and forget it, allowing the rich flavors to develop over time. Perfect for busy days or cozy evenings, this dish brings warmth and nourishment to the table.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup for so many reasons. First, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning minimal cleanup for you. Second, the ingredients are simple and accessible, ensuring you can whip it up without much fuss. The combination of tender chicken, nutrient-packed vegetables, and hearty rice makes this soup not just filling but also healthy. The slow cooking process ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and balanced taste that is sure to please everyone at your table. Finally, it’s customizable, allowing you to enhance it with your favorite herbs or additional vegetables, ensuring that it can be adapted for everyone’s tastes.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach (optional)
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup Directions
Making Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup is easy and rewarding. Start by gathering all your ingredients and your trusty slow cooker. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by washing and chopping your vegetables. Dice the carrots and celery into small, even pieces, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This preparation will ensure even cooking and the best flavor.
- Layer the Ingredients: In your crock pot, lay the chicken breast at the bottom. This allows the juices from the chicken to seep down into the broth, enhancing the flavor. Next, add the rice on top of the chicken. Rice can absorb a lot of flavor and moisture during cooking.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Sprinkle the diced carrots, celery, and chopped onion over the rice. Add the minced garlic for that aromatic base. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper, adjusting to your taste preference. Add the chicken broth over everything, covering all the ingredients.
- Set Your Slow Cooker: Cover your crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Allowing it to cook slowly on low makes the chicken tender and juicy.
- Shred Chicken: About 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, take the lid off and shred the chicken in the pot using two forks. This infuses the chicken flavor throughout the soup.
- Add Spinach (Optional): If you’re using spinach, stir it in at this point. The spinach will wilt quickly, adding a pop of color and extra nutrition to your dish.
- Final Adjustments: Before serving, taste the soup once more. You may want to adjust the salt and pepper based on your preference.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the warmth and comfort that this lovely dish brings!
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup
Serving Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup is simple and can be tailored to your personal style. You can serve it hot in deep bowls, allowing everyone to enjoy a generous helping. To make it even more appealing, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese if you like. Add a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll on the side for dipping, completing the meal. This soup is also great for meal prepping; you can store leftovers in airtight containers for easy lunches during the week.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup
- Choose the Right Rice: Consider using brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added nutrients. Just be aware brown rice may require a bit longer to cook, so plan accordingly.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup. Peas, corn, or green beans work beautifully and add extra flavor.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a burst of freshness. Add them just before serving for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: If you have the time, you can sear the chicken in a pan for a couple of minutes before adding it to the crock pot. This can enhance the depth of flavor.
- Adjust the Liquidity: Depending on your preference for soup thickness, adjust the amount of broth. If you like a thicker soup, consider adding less broth or increasing the rice slightly.
How to Store Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup
Storing your Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup is straightforward and convenient. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, allowing for some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date, and it should keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup
There are so many ways to put your spin on this comforting soup. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for a creamier texture.
- Spicy Twist: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños. This will give the soup a lovely heat that balances well with the other flavors.
- Substituting Proteins: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. You can even swap chicken for turkey.
- Vegetable Medley: Add your favorite vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just be cautious of cooking times, as softer veggies might cook faster.
- Herb Variations: Substitute thyme with other herbs such as rosemary or dill for a different aromatic experience.
FAQ
What is the cooking time for Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup?
The soup requires cooking for 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. This allows the flavors to mingle and the chicken to become tender.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it may increase the cooking time. Always ensure that the chicken is cooked through to a safe temperature.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as crusty bread, a fresh salad, or crackers which can complement and round out your meal.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you prefer. Just keep in mind different vegetables have different cooking times.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can easily test it by using a meat thermometer or ensuring it shreds easily with a fork.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and rice, this soup can easily be a gluten-free meal.
Crock Pot Chicken Rice Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast Boneless, skinless
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 4 cups chicken broth Use gluten-free if necessary
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 cups spinach (optional) Add for extra nutrition
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by washing and chopping your vegetables. Dice the carrots and celery into small, even pieces, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
Layering Ingredients
- In your crock pot, lay the chicken breast at the bottom.
- Add the rice on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle the diced carrots, celery, and chopped onion over the rice.
- Add the minced garlic for flavor and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is covered.
Cooking
- Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Shredding Chicken
- About 30 minutes before serving, take the lid off and shred the chicken in the pot using two forks.
Final Touches
- If using spinach, stir it in now until wilted.
- Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings!
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