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Comforting Chicken and Rice Soup: A Hearty, Healing Meal

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Introduction
Chicken and rice soup is a timeless comfort food that blends tender chicken, wholesome rice, and savory vegetables into a nourishing bowl of goodness. Whether you're feeling under the weather, craving something warm on a chilly evening, or simply looking for a wholesome meal, this soup provides both comfort and nutrition. It's easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner, as well as a delightful option for meal prepping. Let’s dive into this simple, yet delicious recipe that will soon become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Instructions:
Prepare the base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Simmer the broth: Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Cook the rice: Add the rice to the pot and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.

Add the chicken: Stir in the shredded or diced chicken. Let the soup simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and the flavors combine.

Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness to the soup.

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving: Serve your chicken and rice soup with a side of crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storing: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
Freezing: If you want to make the soup ahead of time, you can freeze it in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the rice might absorb some of the liquid upon thawing, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
Variants:

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