Homestyle Chicken and Rice Soup

Place chicken breasts in a large pot. Add 6 cups water, or enough to cover the chicken, and add the salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the pot, cool slightly and shred or cut into pieces.

Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, parsley and bay leaves to the pot. Pour in an additional 6 cups of water, or enough water to fill the pot to approximately ¾ full. Stir in chicken bouillon paste, lower the heat, but keep it simmering and cook 20 minutes.

Add the chicken and uncooked rice. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer an additional 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and broth is the desired consistency.