Chicken Rice Soup- the best recipe!

Now this is by far my favorite that I have recently found- especially for those cold days- or when you're not feeling so well. The flavors are delicious and this was a huge hit in our house!

I usually make chicken noodle soup, but thought I'd try a rice recipe. So I found this one off of Pioneer Women's, but of course, changed a few things. :) 

Chicken Rice Soup

*3-4 chicken breasts (or you can use with bone on)

*chicken buillion cubes

*2-3 peeled and thinly chopped carrots

*3-4 chopped celery stalks

*1/2 a diced and chopped onion (I used brown)

*2 cups of rice- I used arborio (risotto) rice

*Salt and garlic powder to taste

-Put your chicken in a pot of water and generously add your chicken buillion cubes- I added about 8. Cook 20 or so minutes until very tender- DO NOT DRAIN OUT THE LIQUID! (Make sure you have at least 6-8 cups of water).Take out chicken and chop or shred into bite size pieces.

-Meanwhile you can cook your rice. I did 2 cups of rice- I like my soups a bit chunkier and more filling (for these big boys!). Use a pot or rice cooker- usually add about 2 cups of water per cup of rice. Add a bit of salt and drizzle of olive oil as cooking. Boil then reduce heat to a simmer until fully cooked. 

-As rice and chicken are cooking, you can dice your onion, celery and carrots (Pioneer Women used green peppers and pimentos- I didn't prefer that). Put aside.

-Make your roux- to thicken up that soup! Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and melt- then ad about 4 or so tablespoons of flour. Mix until nice and thick. Add more flour if need to. 

-Now use that liquid from your chicken in your big pot and add your roux. 

-Now melt another 2 tablespoons of butter and saute your vegetables and onions- this is where I added the salt and garlic powder. Saute about 3-4 minutes then add your chopped chicken. Saute another 3-4 then add to your liquid roux. 

-Finally add your cooked rice- and let simmer about 5 minutes. Then done! 

-I sprinkled with a bit of parmesan and served with cheese toast- or crunchy rolls or bread is great too! 

Served with ham & cheese toast- normally wouldn't do the ham but I try and fill my boys up with protein as much as I possibly can! :)