Spicy Chicken and Potato Soup

1 cup onion
chopped
1 tablespoon garlic
finely chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 pound chicken
thawed
cut up
and skin removed
4 cups water
6 small red potatoes
chopped (or 1 can
about 15 ounces
low-sodium sliced potatoes)
1/4 cup white rice
uncooked (or brown rice)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika)
1 cup fresh peas (or 1/2 can
about 8 ounces
low-sodium green peas)
cayenne or jalapeño chilies
diced (1/2 teaspoon
optional)
parsley or cilantro
chopped (1/2 cup
optional)

Wash hands with soap and water.
In a large pot, brown onion and garlic in oil over medium to high heat for 5 minutes.
Add chicken to pot and brown for about 5 minutes.
Add water, potatoes, rice, and chili powder to pot.
Bring pot to a boil, and cook for 15 minutes.
Lower heat and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir pot every 10 minutes.
Add peas and cook for about 8 minutes. If using cayenne or jalapeño chilies, add that too. Mix well.
Remove pot from heat. If using parsley or cilantro, add that now.
Mix well and cover for 5 minutes. Serve hot.