One-Pot Healthy Chicken Soup (Printable Version)

Comforting soup with chicken, vegetables, and rice cooked together for an easy nourishing dish.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

→ Grains

08 - 2/3 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 3/4 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/2 lemon, juiced

→ Fats

16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in chicken pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned on exterior.
04 - Add rice, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked through.
06 - Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Remove and discard bay leaf.
08 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for many dietary needs
  • Packed with protein, vegetables, and whole grains for a balanced, nutritious meal
  • Ready in just 50 minutes from start to finish
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together
  • Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or greens
02 -
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the salt level to your preference
  • Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking
  • Leftovers will thicken as the rice absorbs broth; simply add extra broth or water when reheating
  • Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
  • This soup freezes well for up to 3 months, though the rice texture may soften slightly upon thawing
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