Chicken & Rice Soup

A delicious dish great any time of the year. Whether a chilly winter day, or a rainy summer evening, something about a warm bowl of soup can sooth the soul.

Ingredients:

• 2 Carrots, sliced
• 2 Celery stalks, trimmed and sliced
• 1 Onion, cut into large chunks
• 2-3 Garlic cloves, sliced or minced
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil, unsalted butter, or a combination of both
• 1 Tablespoon Italian Herb blend or other herbs, e.g. Herbs de Provence
• 1/2 Rotisserie chicken, shredded and cleaned of bones, cartilage
• 4 Cups chicken or vegetable stock (or water in a pinch)
• 1/2 Cup (rice cup sized) Rice

Optional Toppings:

• A little freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs, I like parsley
• Toasted garlic or even a few homemade croutons to add crunch

Directions

1. Prep the carrots, celery, onion, garlic and chicken.
2. In a heavy metal bottom pot or dutch oven heat the olive oil and/or butter over medium low heat. Once heated, two to three minutes later, add in carrots, celery and onion to the pot. Sauté stirring every few minutes until the onions begin to become translucent. Add in the garlic and sauté for another two minutes or so, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Season with salt, pepper and the herbs.
3. When fragrant, add in shredded chicken and heat through. Once nice and steamy, add stock (or water) with enough to cover the chicken and vegetables. Raise heat and bring to a boil.
4. Once at a boil, add rice, stir and reduce heat to lowest setting. Cover pot and let simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, checking to ensure the rice is cooked through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.

Salt Swaps:

• Choose an unsalted or reduced sodium chicken stock. You can also use homemade chicken or vegetable stock, which will definitely add flavor and depth.
• This recipe uses rotisserie chicken, which from a store can be very salty on its own. For a low(er) salt option, consider sautéing some chicken thighs chopped up first before the veggies with some garlic powder, onion powder, a little salt and pepper, and other seasonings you’d enjoy.