Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment—this makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- Dice the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces; this ensures they cook evenly and stay tender in the slow cooker.
- Chop the carrots and celery into small, uniform pieces to promote even cooking and a pleasing texture.
- Add the chicken, diced vegetables, and rice to the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.
- Pour in the chicken broth until the ingredients are just submerged; this will be your simmering liquid.
- Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, and add a bay leaf for flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low; cook for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender and the rice has soaked up the broth, becoming silky and fluffy.
- Halfway through, gently stir the soup to prevent sticking and to help ingredients combine evenly.
- Once cooking time is complete, remove the bay leaf and the thyme sprig to keep the broth clean and fresh.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed; if you want to include peas or corn, add them now and cook for another 10 minutes until heated through.
- Serve the soup hot, ladled into bowls, and enjoy the comforting, silky texture with tender chicken and flavorful broth.
Notes
For a richer flavor, briefly sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Use long-grain rice for the best texture, and adjust seasonings to your taste. This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
