Imagine a steaming bowl of hearty soup that's not just a meal, but a warm embrace on a chilly day. This Turkey or Chicken and Brown Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines nutritious ingredients, rich flavors, and pure home-cooked goodness. Whether you're looking to heal a cold, impress your family, or simply enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal, this recipe is your perfect solution. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a soup that will become your new favorite go-to recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey or chicken, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Dice the onion, chop the carrots, and slice the celery into small pieces.
- If using raw chicken or turkey, cook the meat first by boiling or baking until fully cooked through. Once cooled, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and chopped celery to the pot. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the brown rice. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the brown rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Add the shredded chicken or turkey to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm the meat through.
- Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or additional herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use homemade chicken broth if possible for deeper, richer flavor
- Choose brown rice for added nutrition and a nutty texture
- Ensure your meat is fully cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces
- Don't rush the simmering process - low and slow develops the best flavor
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine while sautéing vegetables
- If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more broth to reach desired consistency
- Make ahead and store in the refrigerator - the flavors will continue to develop overnight
- For a gluten-free version, double-check your broth ingredients
- Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or sage for variation
- Freeze portions for quick, easy meals on busy days
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 105kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 9g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
