Ah, there’s something undeniably magical about the aromas wafting through your kitchen on a chilly evening, isn’t there? I’m talking about that heartwarming, soul-soothing scent that fills the air and wraps around you like a cozy blanket. This is exactly what happens when you prepare my Cozy Chicken & Rice Soup in a slow cooker. Each spoonful of this luscious soup takes me back to my childhood—after school, crammed around the kitchen table, waiting anxiously for dinner while my mom stirred the pot. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you!

As we dive into this delightful dish, you’ll see how easy it is to prepare. With just a little chopping and prepping, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting! This soup is not only a comfort food classic; it’s also a cinch to whip up on busy weeknights. Grab your knife, put on your favorite playlist, and let’s make some soup magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing!
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Comforting flavors: Savory chicken, creamy rice, and herbs blend together like they were meant to be. Perfect for chilly days!
• Great for leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day—flavors meld wonderfully.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies and spices for a personal touch.

Ingredients

Let’s gather everything we need for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll be looking for:

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (add in 30 minutes before serving)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Trust me, you’ll want to make this recipe more than once!

1. Prep the veggies: Take your onion, celery, and carrots, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. The colors will be so vibrant!
2. Add to the slow cooker: Toss the chicken breasts, chopped veggies, rice, and garlic into the slow cooker. It’s like building a flavorful foundation!
3. Season: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. I always say, season to taste—don’t be shy, let those flavors shine!
4. Pour in the broth: Carefully add the chicken broth over all the goodness in the slow cooker. It will create a wonderful broth that feels like a hug in a bowl.
5. Set it and forget it: Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll want to enjoy the delicious smells as they fill your home!
6. Shred the chicken: When it’s done, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. You can do this right in the pot, just make sure to mix it well so it gets all coated in that lovely broth!
7. Add the peas: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They add a pop of color and sweetness!
8. Garnish and serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges for a zingy touch!

Pro Tips & Variations

I love how flexible this recipe is! Here are some fun twists you can try:

• Herb variety: Swap out the thyme and rosemary for dill or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Feel free to toss in any other veggies you have on hand—spinach, bell peppers, or even corn would be delicious!
• Spice it up: Want to kick it up a notch? Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a richer soup.

Serving Suggestions

There’s something so comforting about curling up with a big bowl of soup, isn’t there? I love serving this Cozy Chicken & Rice Soup with a crusty piece of bread or buttery biscuits on the side. It’s the perfect vessel for sopping up every last drop! You could also serve it with a simple green salad for a refreshing crunch. And don’t forget the coffee or a spiced herbal tea to sip alongside—pure bliss!

Storage Tips

Ah, the wonders of leftovers! This soup is just as delicious the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to 3 months!
• Reheat: To reheat, you can simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until nice and hot. If it’s too thick after freezing, add a splash more broth or water.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so it might require a bit more time in the slow cooker—perhaps an extra hour on low.

Can I use leftovers from a rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just add it toward the end of the cooking time to heat through, and you’ll have soup in no time!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure that your rice is certified gluten-free. Easy peasy!

How can I make this soup more filling?

To make this soup even heartier, consider adding some chopped potatoes or quinoa. They’ll absorb the flavors beautifully and keep you feeling satisfied!

Conclusion

I hope this Cozy Chicken & Rice Soup brings warmth and joy to your table just as it has for me. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest meals hold the most love and comfort. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Drop a comment below to share your experience or any fun twists you made to the recipe. Happy cooking, my friend!

Ultimate Cozy Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe – Slow Cooker Comfort

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the best slow cooker cozy chicken & rice soup recipe for ultimate comfort. Perfect for chilly days, enjoy a warm, hearty bowl today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 small onion, chopped

2 stalks of celery, diced

2 medium carrots, sliced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup frozen peas (add in 30 minutes before serving)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Prep the veggies: Take your onion, celery, and carrots, and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Add to the slow cooker: Toss the chicken breasts, chopped veggies, rice, and garlic into the slow cooker.

Season: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Pour in the broth: Carefully add the chicken broth over all the goodness in the slow cooker.

Set it and forget it: Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Shred the chicken: When it’s done, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks.

Add the peas: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Garnish and serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges.

Notes

A heartwarming Cozy Chicken & Rice Soup made in a slow cooker, perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 350 calories
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: chicken soup, rice soup, slow cooker soup, comfort food, easy recipe