Healthy Chicken and Rice Soup

I like to make this soup when it's either cold out or I have a cold. It is very easy to make and moderately cheap to make.

INGREDIENTS: 

1-2 pounds of shredded chicken (You can cook it yourself, use leftover chicken, or canned chicken) 

4 celery stalks

2 cans of sliced carrots

1 onion

2 tablespoons of minced garlic

3 large cans of chicken broth or 12 cups of homemade stock

2 cups of water

brown rice (I use minute rice or boil in a bag rice) 

2 tsps of your favorite seasoning ( I prefer zatarans) 

2 tablespoons of dried Italian seasoning

butter

salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat caramelize 1 diced onion, the garlic, and 4 sliced celery stalks. When the onions are brown and the celery is translucent add to a soup pot along with the sliced carrots (do not drain!) 

2. Then add in your chicken, chicken broth, water, seasoning of choice, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring this to a boil and then reduce the heat and allow to simmer for at least 15 minutes. 

3.  Prepare the rice as directed. Once it is completely cooked add it to the soup. 

4. Allow the soup to continue heating for about another 10 minutes and serve. 

*Though I have never tried it, I suppose this could also be made with noodle. You can also add in other vegetables to your liking such as bell peppers, peas, corn, or anything really.