Soups On: Part IV, Chicken Soup for the...

A little chicken soup is always good...but I have to say that (semi-)homemade chicken soup is da bomb!
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I have made Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup on occasion, but never, have I ever, tried the traditional chicken noodle, or in this case chicken and rice.
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During these busy weeks, being home for anything more than sleep has been rare. I've realized rather than stressing about not having time to cook everyday, I need to wise up about what time I do have at home in the kitchen.
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With this month's time constraints being what they are, it's an official Ms. Homemaker State of Emergency! Time to call upon those faithful one pot meals that last for days.
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So with this I say, SOUPS ON!!

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Hubs was feeling a bit under the weather. We are not sure if it was a cold, or a side effect of his small pox vaccine (military requirement). Any who, what do people always tell you to eat when you're sick...CHICKEN SOUP!
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This Chicken Soup trial run utilizes a few short cuts (which I'll have you know worked marvelously!).
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From the Store: A Rotisserie Chicken

From the Cupboards: Chicken Broth, Brown Rice, Garlic, Onion, Thyme, Parsley Flakes, Olive Oil, and Salt/Pepper

From the Fridge: Carrots and Celery

Roughly chopped onions and minced garlic in some olive oil.
* I tend to do most of my seasoning early on in the cooking process, convinced that doing this awakens the dry spices and make the savory base of onion/garlic, super flavor packed!

Chicken and thyme always seem to go so well together and of course some salt/pepper.
* In goes some carrots and celery we had left over in the fridge.
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I've found another use for brown rice!
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Until recently we were boxed rice people. In many of the directions, you are to begin by toasting the rice in some oil before adding your water, so I figured the rice should be added next.
* MAJOR TIME SAVER #1: In goes some store bought broth.
*MAJOR TIME SAVER #2: Shredded up rotisserie chicken and some cut pieces of grilled chicken thighs we had leftover in the fridge.
* Dried parsley flake and salt/pepper to taste.

Everything was simmered together until the rice has cooked through.
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There you have it, semi-homemade chicken and rice.
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Hubs loved it, I love it...and there were plenty of leftovers to enjoy throughout the week!!

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Admittedly I do like much of what we have going on, but I am very seriously missing my time in the kitchen.

I am in need of an all day marathon.

I want one of those nothing to do weekends, where I only leave the house for a trip to the grocery store.

I want to cook, I want to be in the kitchen...

I NEED MY DOSE OF FOOD THERAPY!!!