#Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup : Preparation Made Easy
Introduction
There’s nothing more nourishing or satisfying than a wholesome bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup. This recipe is a touch of delight in every spoonful, with tender chicken and flavorful rice swimming in a savory and creamy broth. Perfect for cold nights or a soothing meal, this soup will warm your heart and belly.
Why Make This Recipe
This creamy chicken and rice soup recipe is an excellent choice, because it is straightforward to make while providing a comforting and filling meal. It combines ordinary pantry ingredients to create an extraordinary flavorful soup that tastes like it simmered for hours, all within a short duration.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Ingredients :
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 onion, diced
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-2 carrots, diced
-2 celery stalks, diced
-1 teaspoon dried thyme
-1 teaspoon dried parsley
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-6 cups chicken broth
-1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
-1 cup uncooked rice
-1 cup heavy cream
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
-With these easy steps, you will be enjoying your homemade creamy chicken and rice soup:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper, then cook for another minute to release the flavors.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add shredded chicken and rice.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and tender.
Stir in the heavy cream and allow the soup to heat through gently for 5 minutes. Avoid letting it boil.
Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
This wholesome dish is best enjoyed hot; you can garnish it with a bit of fresh parsley to add color, taste, and richness. A slice of crusty bread or a side salad will act as a perfect complement, making it a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
The leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 to 3 days. For extended storage, freeze it up to one month. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then heat gently on the stove until it is hot, but not boiling.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
– Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant taste.
– You can add other vegetables like peas or corn for more nutrition and flavor.
– Always let the soup heat gently after adding the cream. High heat can cause the soup to curdle.
– Use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker cooking process.
Variations
For a different twist, you can add a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables or replace the rice with wild rice for a change in texture and taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, just adjust cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely, just add all the ingredients except for the cream and cook on low for 7-8 hours. Stir in the cream at the end.
3. Can I make this soup dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.