Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Soup with Rice
Why Make This Recipe
Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Soup with Rice is a warm and comforting dish that brings the flavors of classic Italian cooking right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, or whenever you crave something satisfying and delicious. The soup is packed with tender chicken, rich tomato flavor, and wholesome rice, making it a complete meal in one bowl. Plus, it’s simple to make, so you can have a hearty dinner ready in no time.
How to Make Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Soup with Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 32 ounce container chicken broth
- 2 10.5 ounce cans condensed tomato soup
- 2 10.5 ounce cans water
- 1 16 ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tablespoons salt-free vegetable seasoning, divided
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 8 ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 8 ounce can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice
Directions:
- Combine chicken broth, condensed soup, 2 cans of water, diced tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable seasoning in an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat. Bring to a slow, rolling boil.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, mushrooms, diced onion, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable seasoning. Cook until the onion is translucent and the chicken is cooked through, about 7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic salt, salt, and black pepper. Transfer the chicken mixture to the stockpot and bring back to a rolling boil.
- Cook the soup, stirring frequently, for 30 minutes.
- While the soup is cooking, bring 1 1/2 cups of water and the rice to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice to the soup and continue to simmer, adding more water to reach your desired consistency, for 1 hour.
How to Serve Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Soup with Rice
Serve this hearty soup hot in bowls. You can garnish it with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. It pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad, making it a delightful meal.
How to Store Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Soup with Rice
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Tips to Make Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Soup with Rice
- For added depth of flavor, you can sauté some bell peppers along with the onions.
- Substitute brown rice for white rice for a healthier option, but note that the cooking time may change.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving to suit your preferences.
Variation
You can easily customize this soup by adding different veggies such as zucchini or carrots. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?
Yes, you can use leftover or rotisserie chicken. Just add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat it through.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simply combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the rice in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check the labels on the canned goods.