Nothing warms the soul like a bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup. This delicious and hearty recipe is perfect for cozy nights in or when you need a comforting meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Follow along to learn how to make this delightful soup that will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Heat the Olive Oil In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will be the base for sautéing your vegetables.
Sauté the Vegetables Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened, which should take about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This will add a rich flavor to your soup.
Cook the Chicken Add the small pieces of chicken breasts to the pot. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned, which should take about 5 minutes.
Add Rice and Broth Stir in the long-grain white rice, chicken broth, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender. This should take about 20 minutes.
Add Cream Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. The cream will add a delicious richness to your soup.
Garnish and Serve Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy the comforting and creamy flavors of this delightful dish.
Serving Tips:
Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or a dash of paprika for added color and flavor.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Individual Servings: Ladle into soup bowls and serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Soup can be frozen for longer storage. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. Frozen soup can last up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if necessary and ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
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FAQs:
Can I use other types of rice in this soup recipe?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice is traditional, you can experiment with other varieties like basmati or jasmine. Adjust cooking times accordingly for different rice types.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To lighten the soup, consider using low-fat milk instead of heavy cream or incorporating more vegetables like spinach or peas. You can also reduce the amount of salt used for seasoning.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, creamy chicken and rice soup is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare the soup as directed, cool it down, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage. Reheat gently before serving.
What can I serve with creamy chicken and rice soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil over the soup for added richness.
Conclusion:
Creamy chicken and rice soup is a classic recipe that delivers comfort in every spoonful. With its creamy texture and savory flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and experience the warmth and satisfaction of homemade soup. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and let them enjoy the goodness of a well-made creamy chicken and rice soup.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of creamy chicken and rice soup with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfectly balanced with tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and creamy richness, this soup is a delightful choice for any mealtime craving.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add rice, chicken broth, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until rice is cooked and chicken is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
Customize with your favorite herbs or additional vegetables for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
