Before diving into the comforting world of creamy chicken rice soup, let’s talk about what to enjoy alongside this dish. A steaming bowl of soup pairs beautifully with:
Crusty Bread: A fresh loaf that’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s perfect for dipping.
Butter: A pat of butter on warm bread takes the experience up a notch.
Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess of the soup.
Grilled Cheese: Why not? The gooeyness of cheese perfectly complements the texture of the soup.
Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: A small plate for dipping with fresh bread gives that extra touch.
These pairings enhance the flavors of the creamy chicken rice soup, making it memorable.
Ah, creamy chicken rice soup. The mere thought brings me back to colder days, wrapped in a blanket, with a bowl full of comfort. Picture this: You come home after a long day, and the crisp chill in the air greets you at the door.
The aroma of chicken simmering slowly creates an invisible hug around the kitchen, beckoning you to take a seat and enjoy. This recipe has found its way into my kitchen countless times, serving family and friends alike. With shelves stocked with ingredients that reflect simple, wholesome cooking, I promise that this dish is both easy to prepare and a joy to savor.
Now, let’s embark on a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance and warm your soul.
Creamy chicken rice soup is a delightful blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth. It’s a dish that embraces the essence of comfort food while maintaining a balance of nutrients.
The secret lies in the careful selection of fresh ingredients that come together to create a dish that feels homemade and heartwarming. Each spoonful combines the richness of cream, the satisfaction of protein, and the wholesome goodness of vegetables and rice.
How Does It Taste Like?
Imagine a warm embrace from an old friend. This soup possesses a creamy texture that coats your palate. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the rice offers a slight chewiness, creating a harmonious texture. Each bite bursts with flavor from herbs and freshly minced garlic, enhancing the overall taste profile.
The broth strikes a balance between richness from the cream and the light, comforting essence of chicken broth, making it a versatile dish suitable for all ages.
Why You'll Love This?
Let me share why you will fall head over heels for this creamy chicken rice soup:
Simplicity: With basic ingredients commonly found in most kitchens, making this soup is a breeze.
Flavorful: The combination of fresh garlic, herbs, and chicken broth makes this dish incredibly satisfying.
Versatility: You can adjust this recipe to meet dietary preferences or even use leftovers.
Nutrient-packed: It’s loaded with protein, veggies, and hearty rice, making it a complete meal.
Now that I have your appetite whetted let's take a look at what we need to whip up this culinary delight.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
¾ cup uncooked jasmine white rice: For fluffiness.
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: For thickening.
½ medium yellow onion, chopped: Provides foundation flavor.
2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped: For sweetness and crunch.
1 pound raw chicken breast, cut into bite-sized strips: Provides protein.
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing.
1 stick celery, finely diced: Adds crunch.
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Base of the soup.
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings.
1 cup heavy cream: For richness.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For garnish & flavor.
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced: For depth of flavor.
¼ teaspoon dried Italian herb mix: To bring everything together.
Step by Step Directions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and your creamy chicken rice soup will be ready in no time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your onion, celery, and carrots. Dice the chicken into small pieces. Measure out the rice and cream. Have all your ingredients ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften. The onion should become translucent. Take a moment to inhale that beautiful fragrance wafting through your kitchen.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Chicken
Now it’s time for the chicken. Add the minced garlic and diced chicken breast to the pot. Stir everything together and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-10 minutes. This step locks in those flavors.
Step 4: Mix in Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and veggies. Stir continuously for another 1-2 minutes to coat everything. This process will help thicken your soup later.
Step 5: Pour in Broth and Rice
Next, carefully add the low-sodium chicken broth and the uncooked jasmine rice. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes.
Step 6: Introduce Cream and Seasoning
After the 15 minutes, it’s time to make the soup creamy. Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and the dried Italian herb mix. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Final Simmer
Allow the soup to simmer on low for another 5-10 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Once it’s ready, serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. That green touch ignites every vibrant flavor in the bowl.
Tips on Making Creamy Chicken Rice Soup
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs enhance the overall flavor, so bring your A-game to selection.
Don’t Overcook the Rice: Keep an eye on the rice as it cooks, ensuring it remains fluffy and doesn’t get mushy.
Customize the Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It cuts prep time drastically.
Adjust Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
Make it Ahead: This soup stores beautifully and can be made a day in advance. Just reheat gently.
Nutrition Information
A single serving of creamy chicken rice soup (about 1 cup) typically contains:
These values can vary based on ingredient selection.
How Do You Store Creamy Chicken Rice Soup?
Once your soup is cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, do so over low heat on the stove, stirring to combine. If it appears thick, add additional broth to achieve your desired consistency.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Creamy Chicken Rice Soup?
Here are five alternatives that still keep that comfort food essence intact:
Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian option, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. Add beans for extra protein.
Quinoa: Instead of rice, use quinoa. It’s nutty, gluten-free, and packed full of nutrients.
Paneer or Tofu: Swap out chicken for cubed paneer or tofu. This makes a delicious vegetarian option.
Coconut Cream: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a lighter, tropical flavor.
Different Veggies: You can toss in veggies like peas, corn, or spinach. Each adds unique flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Creamy chicken rice soup is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting classic that warms your heart. The simplicity of the ingredients melds into a rich and satisfying meal that’s excellent for any occasion, be it a chilly evening or a casual lunch. With every spoonful, you’re not just tasting flavors;
Ah, creamy chicken rice soup. The mere thought brings me back to colder days, wrapped in a blanket, with a bowl full of comfort. Picture this: You come home after a long day, and the crisp chill in the air greets you at the door.
The aroma of chicken simmering slowly creates an invisible hug around the kitchen, beckoning you to take a seat and enjoy. This recipe has found its way into my kitchen countless times, serving family and friends alike. With shelves stocked with ingredients that reflect simple, wholesome cooking, I promise that this dish is both easy to prepare and a joy to savor.
Now, let’s embark on a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance and warm your soul.
Ingredients
¾cup uncooked jasmine white rice: For fluffiness.
1teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness.
3tablespoons all-purpose flour: For thickening.
½ medium yellow onion, chopped: Provides foundation flavor.
2medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped: For sweetness and crunch.
1pound raw chicken breast, cut into bite-sized strips: Provides protein.
1tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing.
1stick celery, finely diced: Adds crunch.
4cups low-sodium chicken broth: Base of the soup.
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings.
1cup heavy cream: For richness.
2tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For garnish & flavor.
3cloves fresh garlic, minced: For depth of flavor.
¼teaspoon dried Italian herb mix: To bring everything together.
Instructions
1
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and your creamy chicken rice soup will be ready in no time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
2
Start by chopping your onion, celery, and carrots. Dice the chicken into small pieces. Measure out the rice and cream. Have all your ingredients ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
3
In a large pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften. The onion should become translucent. Take a moment to inhale that beautiful fragrance wafting through your kitchen.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Chicken
4
Now it’s time for the chicken. Add the minced garlic and diced chicken breast to the pot. Stir everything together and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-10 minutes. This step locks in those flavors.
Step 4: Mix in Flour
5
Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and veggies. Stir continuously for another 1-2 minutes to coat everything. This process will help thicken your soup later.
Step 5: Pour in Broth and Rice
6
Next, carefully add the low-sodium chicken broth and the uncooked jasmine rice. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes.
Step 6: Introduce Cream and Seasoning
7
After the 15 minutes, it’s time to make the soup creamy. Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and the dried Italian herb mix. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Final Simmer
8
Allow the soup to simmer on low for another 5-10 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
9
Once it’s ready, serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. That green touch ignites every vibrant flavor in the bowl.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value *
Total Fat18g28%
Sodium500mg21%
Total Carbohydrate28g10%
Dietary Fiber1g4%
Protein20g40%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs enhance the overall flavor, so bring your A-game to selection.
Don’t Overcook the Rice: Keep an eye on the rice as it cooks, ensuring it remains fluffy and doesn’t get mushy.
Customize the Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It cuts prep time drastically.
Adjust Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
Make it Ahead: This soup stores beautifully and can be made a day in advance. Just reheat gently.
Keywords:
Creamy Chicken Rice Soup
Maria George
Registered Dietitian & Cookbook Author
Maria George is a cookbook author and registered dietitian, passionate about merging gourmet cuisine with nutrition through her blog Gourmet And Food. Based in Illinois, she draws on her rich culinary background to create elegant, approachable recipes that celebrate quality ingredients and creativity in the kitchen. Maria’s goal is to inspire food lovers of all levels to explore gourmet cooking and enjoy the art of dining.