Notes

To Use Leftover Chicken: Instead of adding the raw chicken breasts in step #4, simmer the soup for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. Shred the chicken as per step #5 and then add 4 cups of shredded cooked chicken as per instructions in step #6.

To Use Leftover Rice: Instead of adding 1 cup of raw rice in step #3, add 3 cups of cooked rice along with the chicken in step #6.

To Use Long-Grain Brown Rice or Wild Rice: Prepare the soup as per instruction up until step #1, add the brown or wild rice as instructed in step #2, and cook it for 20 minutes before adding the raw chicken as in step #4. Then continue cooking soup as instructed.

To Use Fresh Thyme: Swap the dried thyme for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.

To Make it in a Slow Cooker: Add all of the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook it on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the soup and place them on a cutting board. Shred the soup into bite-size pieces and return them to the soup for an additional 10 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

To Make it in an Instant Pot: Select the Instant Pot sauté setting, add the olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken, and add the bay leaf, raw rice, and raw chicken breasts. Lock the lid, close the pressure release valve, and pressure cook on High pressure for 5 minutes (the timer will count down once pressure is reached, which takes roughly 15 minutes). When done, press Cancel and use the quick-release method to release the pressure. Remove the chicken breasts from the soup, shred them into bite-size pieces, and then return them to the soup to reheat for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.