Ret Soup
Introduction
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy nights or when you need a warm, satisfying meal. With tender chicken, a creamy broth, and flavorful rice, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
30 ml olive oil
100 g onion, diced
80 g carrots, diced
80 g celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
500 g chicken breast, cooked and shredded
150 g white rice, uncooked
1.2 L chicken broth
250 ml heavy cream
30 g unsalted butter
30 g all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
100 g frozen peas
30 g fresh parsley, chopped
Prep Time
Preparation for this delightful soup takes approximately 10 minutes, allowing you to gather all the ingredients and get started on the cooking process.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 30 minutes, which brings the total time to around 40 minutes. This recipe yields 6 servings, making it an excellent choice for families or meal prepping.
Enjoy this creamy, delicious soup on a chilly day or whenever you crave a warm, satisfying dish!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
Step 2:
Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in the uncooked white rice, making sure it is well mixed with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4:
In a separate small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, stirring continuously.
Step 5:
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream to the roux until it is fully emulsified. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside for later use.
Step 6:
After the rice has simmered, add the cooked and shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and frozen peas to the soup. Stir well and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 7:
Gradually pour in the cream mixture, stirring continuously to combine it with the soup. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 5 minutes until it thickens.
Step 8:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
Step 9:
Serve the creamy chicken and rice soup warm and enjoy!
Notes
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Yield:
6 servings
Variations:
Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Storing:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth or water if the soup thickens too much in the fridge.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup with warm, crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also garnish each bowl with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. For a hint of spice, consider serving with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate values):
– Calories: 400
– Protein: 28g
– Carbohydrates: 34g
– Fat: 20g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 2g
– Sodium: 800mg
Note that nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Olive Oil: Can be replaced with vegetable oil, canola oil, or butter.
– Heavy Cream: Substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version, though this may alter the flavor.
– Chicken Breast: Use rotisserie chicken or turkey as an alternative.
– Rice: Quinoa or orzo can be used instead of white rice; however, cooking times may vary.
– Fresh Parsley: Swap with fresh thyme or basil for different herbal notes.
– Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can be used, adjusting the amounts as they are stronger than dried.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium to high heat. In this recipe, onions, carrots, and celery are sautéed to develop their flavors and soften their texture.
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking food in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. The chicken broth and rice are brought to a boil and then simmered, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the flavors of the broth.
Making a Roux
A roux is a mixture of fat and flour cooked together to thicken sauces or soups. In this recipe, butter is melted and flour is whisked in to create a roux before adding heavy cream.
Emulsification
Emulsification is the process of combining two ingredients that typically do not mix well, such as fat and water-based liquids. Slowly whisking the heavy cream into the roux helps create a smooth, creamy mixture.
Adjusting Seasoning
Tasting and adjusting seasoning is important for achieving the desired flavor in a dish. In this recipe, salt, pepper, and herbs are added to enhance the overall taste of the soup.
FAQ
Can I use cooked leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using cooked leftover chicken is a great way to save time and still achieve delicious results.
What type of rice works best in this soup?
White rice works well in this recipe, but you can also use brown rice or wild rice if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. However, it is best to add the cream mixture just before serving to maintain the creamy texture.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut milk or cashew cream.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Just be aware that the texture may change upon reheating.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect dish for those chilly evenings when you crave warmth and comfort. This soup combines tender chicken, a rich and creamy broth, and wholesome rice to create a satisfying meal that is easy to prepare. With its blend of vegetables and herbs, it not only fills your stomach but also delights your palate. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup is sure to be a favorite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Replace the rice with light, fluffy dumplings for a hearty alternative that adds a different texture and flavor to your soup.
Creamy Mushroom and Rice Soup
Incorporate sliced mushrooms sautéed along with the vegetables to add an earthy flavor to the soup, perfect for mushroom lovers.
Vegetable Chicken Soup
Add a variety of vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or corn to increase the nutritional value and add more color to your dish.
Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice Soup
For a kick, introduce Cajun spices to the mix and use andouille sausage alongside the chicken to create a spicy twist on the classic recipe.
Lemon Herb Chicken Soup
Incorporate fresh lemon juice and zest along with dill for a refreshing, zesty variation that brightens up the flavor of the soup.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Soup
Mix in shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack) along with the cream for a deliciously cheesy twist that adds richness and flavor.
Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk and add lime juice, ginger, and cilantro for a tropical twist on the traditional chicken soup.
African Peanut Soup
Include peanut butter in your creamy broth for an intriguing, savory flavor that pairs well with chicken and rice, offering a unique twist to your soup.
