1-Getting started with chicken and rice soup is simple and fun, even if you’re a beginner. Begin by preparing your ingredients: chop the onion, celery, and carrots small, and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking. This step sets the foundation for a flavorful base that makes the whole dish come alive.

2-Next, heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat and sauté the onion and celery for about 5 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to bring out its aroma without burning it. Then, add the chicken thighs, sliced carrots, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rice to the pot, and bring everything to a boil over high heat.

3-Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the rice from sticking. Once the chicken is cooked through, the carrots are soft, and the rice is tender, remove the chicken, shred it or cut it into pieces, and put it back in the pot. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, stir in fresh parsley if you like, and serve it hot. The total preparation time is about 10 minutes, with cooking taking around 25 minutes, so you’re done in roughly 35 minutes.