Description
Comforting “healing chicken and rice soup” brings warmth to weary souls, packed with nourishing ingredients that soothe and restore. Gentle broth, tender chicken, and hearty rice create a medicinal masterpiece you’ll crave during cold days and wellness moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced or grated
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Liquid, Grains, and Additional Ingredients:
- 6–8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3–4 cups fresh baby spinach
- ¼ cup lime juice (from 4 limes)
- Splash of soy sauce or fish sauce (optional)
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, or basil)
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently sauté minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and finely chopped shallots until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.
- Introduce chicken thighs to the pot, generously seasoning with salt and turmeric. Create a golden sear on both sides of the meat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Cover and allow the chicken to cook thoroughly until completely done, then remove and carefully shred the meat.
- Utilize the same pot to wilt fresh spinach, incorporating the remaining salt. Once the spinach has collapsed and turned vibrant green, transfer it to a separate dish.
- Coat the rice with residual oil and spices in the pot, then pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the liquid until it reaches a tender consistency.
- Reunite the shredded chicken and wilted spinach with the rice. Brighten the soup’s flavor profile by stirring in fresh lime juice. Enhance the depth of taste with a dash of soy sauce or fish sauce if desired. Carefully adjust the seasoning to achieve a balanced flavor.
- Serve the soup in warm bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and chopped peanuts. Offer additional lime juice or chili flakes on the side for those seeking an extra flavor kick.
Notes
- Choose bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness, as they stay juicy during cooking and provide richer broth.
- Use brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional boost and more complex texture, perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Customize soup’s heat level by adjusting chili flakes or adding fresh sliced chilies, catering to different spice preferences.
- Prepare soup in advance and store refrigerated for 3-4 days, allowing flavors to develop and deepen over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg