Diabetic-Friendly Chicken & Rice Soup

This comforting chicken and rice soup is the perfect meal for chilly days, packed with flavor, lean protein, and a nutritious twist! Using Cahokia’s high protein, low glycemic rice, it’s a hearty yet light option that won’t spike your blood sugar. This is a heart healthy and diabetic friendly recipe to warm you up on chilly days. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor), diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
1 cup Cahokia’s Higher Protein Rice (white or brown, whichever you prefer)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
1 bay leaf (optional)
2 cups spinach or kale (optional for added greens)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts (or thighs) and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Simmer the Soup: Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the Basmati rice, thyme, parsley, pepper, and bay leaf (if using). Stir everything together.

4. Cook the Rice: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. (If you’re new to cooking Cahokia’s Higher Protein Rice and have questions about preparation methods, check out our FAQ section). If you’re adding greens, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing them to wilt.

5. Adjust and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt as needed. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this high-protein, diabetic-friendly dish!

This Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect go-to when you want something light, satisfying, and blood-sugar friendly. Packed with lean protein, veggies, and a healthy serving of rice, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again!