Description
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender chicken breast pieces, creamy broth, and perfectly cooked jasmine rice, this soup combines fresh vegetables and aromatic seasonings to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 stick celery, chopped finely
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped finely
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup uncooked white jasmine rice
- 1 cup heavy cream (whipping cream)
Protein
- 1 pound uncooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces or strips
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and start to develop flavor.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and the flour. Cook this mixture for about one minute to lightly toast the flour, which will help thicken the soup later.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring and scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Continue stirring until the flour is completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth base.
- Add Seasoning, Rice, and Cream: Stir in the Italian seasoning, uncooked jasmine rice, and heavy cream. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Stir well, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot's bottom.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the pot. Continue cooking for another 7 to 10 minutes or until both the chicken and rice are fully cooked through. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup becomes too thick, add more chicken broth to reach desired consistency. For leftovers, additional broth may be necessary as the rice will continue to absorb liquid.
Notes
- This soup thickens as it sits because the rice absorbs broth; add extra chicken broth when reheating or to thin as preferred.
- If not serving immediately, cook the rice separately and add it to individual portions just before serving to maintain texture.
- Use fresh vegetables for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to suit taste preferences.
- The soup can be made with low-fat cream or milk for a lighter version, though this may change the creaminess slightly.
