You start by heating the butter in a large pot over medium heat. As the butter melts, the aroma fills the kitchen. Toss in the chopped onion. I recommend cooking it until it turns translucent—about 5 minutes. Stir in the carrots and celery. This combination is known as a mirepoix in cooking, and it lays a brilliant foundation for the soup.

After the vegetables have softened, it’s time to bring in the garlic. Three cloves will do, minced finely. Garlic cooks quickly, so stir it in until it's fragrant—about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it burn! A burned garlic taste is something no one enjoys.

Now, pour in the chicken stock. A rich, flavorful stock creates the soul of any soup. You can use homemade stock or store-bought—just make sure it’s good quality. Toss in the soy sauce and optional sriracha if you want to provoke some warmth! Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Place the bone-in chicken breast into the pot. The bones add flavor and richness, transforming the soup into something memorable. Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Use this time to relax or maybe prep some toppings like parsley or lemon zest.

In a separate pot, heat the remaining 1½ cups of chicken stock. Once boiling, add the rice, cover it, and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This way, you’ll have perfectly cooked rice to incorporate later.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it carefully from the pot. Let it cool a bit, so you can challenge the task of shredding! Use two forks to pull apart the meat, discarding any bones or skin. Then, return the shredded chicken to the soup pot.

At this point, it’s seasoning time! Add all the dried spices: basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, mustard powder, black pepper, and the smoked paprika. Give it a good stir. Then, fold in your decided rice and lemon zest for a touch of brightness. This is crucial; it adds a flavor lift that changes everything.

Once everything is hot and combined, ladle the soup into bowls. Finishing it off with freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Enjoying it with a sprinkle of cracked black pepper brings the flavors together harmoniously.