This chicken and rice soup is the epitome of cozy vibes in a bowl, with dried tarragon stealing the show. Dried tarragon has a more muted flavor than fresh, providing a mellow flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Instant brown rice is a massive time-saver. To cut down even further on prep time, look for pre-chopped mirepoix (carrots, onions and celery) in the produce aisle where prepped vegetables are sold.

How to make Chicken & Rice Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 medium stalks celery, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 3 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon dried tarragon
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 1/4 cups quick-cooking brown rice
• 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon leaves

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrots and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated, about 4 minutes.
2. Stir in chicken, broth, lemon juice, dried tarragon, basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Stir in rice; cover and reduce heat to low. Cook, undisturbed, until the rice is tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Divide the soup among 6 bowls and top evenly with tarragon leaves.
4. Serve it with a salad and some crusty bread for a perfect meal!

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Rice Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s perfect for meal prep because it freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To freeze leftovers, cool the soup to room temperature, then place it in freezer bags. Seal completely and lay flat to freeze in a thin layer. This will help the soup to thaw quickly when you need it for dinner.