Chicken & Rice Meatball Soup – Chicken Soup Recipe NZ

Love easy chicken soup recipes? NZ, you’re in for a treat! Known universally as the ‘soup for the soul’, this comforting classic never goes out of style.

Bird & Barrow proudly presents a time-honoured chicken soup recipe NZ customers will keep coming back to. Prepared with our free range chicken, this Chicken & Rice Meatball Soup promises not just warmth and comfort, but a burst of flavour and the wholesome goodness of the freshest ingredients.

Ingredients

Meatballs

(Makes approximately 20 meatballs)

1 pack Bird & Barrow Free Range Chicken Mince

1 large garlic clove, finely diced

1 tsp finely grated ginger root

2 tbsp soy sauce/tamari

1 ½ tsp sesame oil

1 spring onion, green part finely sliced

1 free range egg

1 ½ cups cooked (and cooled) rice

Generous pinch salt

Cracked black pepper

Soup

1 ¾ litres low-salt chicken stock

1 cup water

1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

1 small clove garlic, finely diced

1 tsp finely grated ginger root

½ tsp curry powder

½ red capsicum, cut into fine matchsticks

1 medium carrot, cut into fine matchsticks

1 large courgette, cut into thin rounds

1 bok choy, trimmed at the bottom and leaves separated.

1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

1 tsp sesame oil

Additional as desired: soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, dried chilli flakes, white pepper, fresh coriander. You can also add 1 cup of sweetcorn (for those who love the twist of a chicken and corn soup recipe, NZ style)

Method

Meatball Method

Place all the ingredients into a bowl and use a fork or wooden spoon to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Use wet hands (it will be very sticky) to form heaped tablespoons of mixture into balls. Place in the fridge to firm up for at least 30 minutes.

Soup Method

Place the stock, water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and curry powder in a large pot. Bring to a boil.
The meatballs may need to be re-rolled a little if they’ve lost their shape. Add the meatballs to the soup and cook on a rolling simmer for 5 minutes. Add all the vegetables in the final 2 minutes.
Season the broth by adding the soy sauce and sesame oil. If you’re leaning towards a chicken and corn soup recipe NZ variation, this is when you add the sweetcorn.
Taste and add additional soy sauce, salt, white pepper or chilli flakes as desired.
Pour the soup into bowls, ensuring a mix of vegetables, chicken, and broth in each serving.

Tips for the Perfect Soup:

Choosing Your Chicken

It all starts with the chicken. For a soup that truly stands out in taste and quality, always opt for the best. Bird & Barrow offers just that with its free range chickens. Proudly raised in New Zealand, these chickens produce meat that’s not only tender, but also full of natural flavours. When you’re seeking a chicken soup recipe NZ residents rave about, always make sure your chicken is top-notch.

Broth Clarity

A hallmark of a good soup is its clear, appetising broth. As the chicken cooks, you’ll notice some foam rising to the top. Make sure to gently skim this off. This simple act ensures your soup looks as delightful as it tastes.

Corn

If you’ve ever wanted to turn your classic chicken soup into a heartier meal, consider the chicken and corn soup recipe NZ has come to love. The sweetness of the corn pairs wonderfully with the savoury broth, offering a delightful twist.

Packing a Healthy Punch

Looking for a healthy chicken soup recipe? NZ produce is a great place to start – opt for fresh vegetables, lean cuts of chicken like our

Make this recipe with —