Description
Grandma’s healing chicken and rice soup delivers comfort straight from her kitchen to your soul. Packed with nourishing ingredients and warmth, this recipe wraps you in care with each spoonful of pure, wholesome goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 6–8 cups chicken broth (adjust to desired consistency)
- 3–4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced or grated
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ tsps salt, divided
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- Juice of 4 limes (about ¼ cup)
- Splash of soy sauce or fish sauce (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish: cilantro, mint, or basil
- Chopped peanuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Aromatic Infusion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Introduce minced garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped shallot, allowing them to dance and release their fragrant essence until softened and translucent.
- Chicken Transformation: Nestle chicken thighs into the aromatic base, dusting with salt and turmeric. Sear each side to develop a golden crust, then cover and simmer until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Extract and delicately shred the meat, reserving it for later reunion.
- Green Vitality: Wilt spinach in the same pot, seasoning with a whisper of salt until it surrenders its vibrant color and transforms into a tender garnish.
- Rice Immersion: Coat rice with residual oil and spices, then flood with broth. Allow the grains to simmer and absorb flavors, becoming tender and plump over 15-20 minutes.
- Harmonious Fusion: Reintroduce shredded chicken and wilted spinach to the pot. Enliven the mixture with a splash of lime juice, optional soy or fish sauce, and adjust seasoning to create a perfectly balanced profile.
- Presentation: Ladle the soup into waiting bowls, crowning with fresh herbs, chopped peanuts, and optional chili flakes for an extra spark of excitement.
Notes
- Sear chicken thighs at medium heat to lock in moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring juicy and perfectly cooked meat.
- Adjust turmeric and salt gradually, tasting as you go to create a harmonious flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate soup.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color, aroma, and maximum nutritional benefits.
- Watch rice carefully during cooking, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and achieve a soft, perfectly cooked consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg