Creating Simple Chicken and Rice Soup is straightforward if you follow these easy steps:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Cook the Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.

3. Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the pot, covering the vegetables.

4. Pour in Broth: Add the chicken broth, ensuring it covers the chicken and vegetables.

5. Season the Soup: Stir in dried thyme, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper.

6. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

7. Add Rice: Once boiling, add the uncooked rice into the pot.

8. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the rice should be tender.

9. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the soup and shred them with two forks.

10. Return Chicken: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, stirring to combine everything.

11. Final Touches: Remove bay leaves, and taste the soup to adjust seasoning as needed.

12. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.

These steps will guide you in crafting this amazing soup effortlessly, ensuring a delicious meal for you and your loved ones.