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Cock-a-Leekie Soup

A traditional Scottish chicken and leek soup gently simmered with rice and prunes for a subtle sweet and savory contrast.

55 minEasyServes 4380 cal/serving

BritishSoupStovetopHigh ProteinGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs bone-in skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
  • 4 leeks, sliced
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 2/3 cup dried prunes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 4 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large pot, combine 2 lbs trimmed bone-in skinless chicken thighs, 8 cups chicken stock, 4 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

  2. 2

    Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

  3. 3

    Transfer bone-in skinless chicken thighs to a plate, cool slightly, shred meat from bones, and discard bones.

  4. 4

    Stir 4 sliced leeks, 1/2 cup rinsed long grain white rice, and 2/3 cup chopped dried prunes into the simmering pot.

  5. 5

    Cook uncovered over medium heat for 15 minutes until long grain white rice is tender.

  6. 6

    Return shredded bone-in skinless chicken thighs to pot, remove fresh thyme sprigs, and heat through before serving.

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Questions

What is Cock-a-Leekie Soup?

A traditional Scottish chicken and leek soup gently simmered with rice and prunes for a subtle sweet and savory contrast. This reference files it under British soup: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 55 minutes start to finish.

How much time should I plan for Cock-a-Leekie Soup?

As written, 55 minutes: 15 of prep and 40 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 2 (25 minutes): "Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F."

What internal temperature should Cock-a-Leekie Soup reach?

For Cock-a-Leekie Soup, the target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 2. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Is there a substitute for leeks in Cock-a-Leekie Soup?

The entry for Cock-a-Leekie Soup calls for 4 leeks, sliced. In its place: Yellow onion or the white parts of scallions, cooked gently. Use a little less by volume.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in Cock-a-Leekie Soup?

Yes, with care. Breasts dry out sooner: pull them at 165 F, which usually means a few minutes less than the thighs would take. As written, the entry for Cock-a-Leekie Soup uses 2 lbs bone-in skinless chicken thighs, trimmed.

Is Cock-a-Leekie Soup gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for Cock-a-Leekie Soup is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the stock.

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