Healthier Chicken and Rice Soup

This is a healthier alternative to chicken noodle soup with more veggies and no gluten.  This is my kids favorite soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp butter or olive oil
• 2-3 cooked chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces
• 6-8 cups of low sodium chicken broth (organic preferred)
• 1-1/2 cup of brown or wild rice (uncooked) or 2-3 cups cooked
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 stalks of celery, diced
• 2-3 large carrots, diced
• 1 bag of frozen peas
• Optional spices: sea salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, garlic powder

Directions:

1. Over medium high heat, melt butter or oil in a big pot. Add onion and cook for a few minutes.  Then add celery and carrots – cook for a few minutes.
2. Add broth and bring to a boil.  Then simmer on low for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, add rice and cook for 10 minutes.  Add chicken and peas in the last 5 minutes. If rice is already cooked, add it with peas and chicken.  Add spices if desired.

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