1-poundboneless skinless chicken thighsfat trimmed off and cut into bite-size pieces
2teaspoonkosher salt
1teaspoonblack pepper
½teaspoonItalian seasoning
¼teaspoondried thyme leaves
1cupyellow oniondiced (about 1 small 4 inch sized onion)
1cupcelerydiced (about 2-3 medium stalks, trimmed)
1cupcarrotpeeled and diced (about 2-3 medium carrots)
3clovesfresh garlicminced
3tablespoonsall-purpose flour
6cupschicken broth or chicken stock
1cuplong grain riceuncooked
1cupheavy cream
1cupgreen peasfrozen
1tablespoonfresh parsleychopped
Salt and pepper as needed to taste
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken with the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and dried thyme, cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the onions, celery and carrot, cook for 4-5 minutes until they just start to soften then add the garlic and saute for an additional minute.
Sprinkle in the flour and mix to coat the chicken and vegetables. Keep stirring with a large wooden spoon to make sure that it doesn’t stick to the pot. Add the chicken stock and mix well then raise the heat to medium high to bring to a boil.
Once boiling add the uncooked rice and heavy cream then reduce to low to simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice cooks.
Add the peas and parsley and stir them in. Season with more salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot and garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of any fat and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Save time and use Rotisserie or leftover chicken, which works great. Dice or shred it before adding to the soup.
Long-grain white rice holds up best, while brown rice or wild rice adds a nutty flavor but needs a longer cooking time.
Place leftover soup in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
The soup thickens as it sits, so when reheating leftovers, add a bit of broth to bring back the right consistency.