Nothing is better than creamy chicken rice soup for a cold and rainy day.
Creamy chicken rice soup is more than just a dish, it’s a comforting hug in a bowl with tender chunks of chicken, soft grains of rice, and a creamy broth that warms you from the inside out.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the heartwarming flavors that every spoonful offers.
Not only is this soup delicious, but it’s also a balanced and nutritious meal with protein from the chicken and a good source of carbohydrates from the rice that satiates hunger and soothes the soul.
Origin Of Creamy Chicken Rice Soup
The creamy chicken rice soup, known for its rich texture and comforting warmth, has roots reaching far back into culinary history.
Although it’s hard to pinpoint the exact origin, it’s thought to be a derivative of traditional chicken soup recipes.
These recipes were staples in many cultures around the world, from ancient Greece to China, due to the widespread availability of poultry and rice.
The addition of cream to chicken and rice soup likely originated in Europe, where dairy products became more prominently featured in dishes.
In America, the creamy chicken rice soup became popular in home kitchens and diners alike, especially during the colder months, for its hearty and nourishing qualities.
The simplicity of its ingredients, along with its delicious flavor and soothing properties, has made it a beloved dish across generations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This creamy chicken rice soup is more than just a dish; it’s comfort in a bowl.
Every spoonful promises a burst of rich flavors and textures that satisfy the soul.
The recipe combines tender chicken, soft rice, and vegetables in a creamy broth that’s both nourishing and delicious.
It’s an ideal meal for any day, especially when you need a little extra warmth and comfort.
What sets this soup apart is its simplicity and versatility.
With ingredients that are commonly found in your pantry, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that doesn’t require professional culinary skills.
Its enduring appeal lies not just in its taste but in the memories it evokes of family meals and traditions.
This recipe is more than food; it’s a piece of home that you can recreate anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make creamy chicken rice soup you’ll need the many types of ingredients.
You can find them in supermarkets or markets:
1. Olive Oil
2. Celery Chopped Finely
3. Carrots Peeled & Chopped Finely
4. Onion Chopped
5. Garlic Minced
6. Flour
7. Chicken Broth
8. Italian Seasoning
9. Uncooked White Jasmine Rice
10. Heavy/Whipping Cream
11. Uncooked Chicken Breasts Cut Into Bite-Size Pieces/Strips
12. Salt & Pepper
Kitchen Tools For This Recipe
To prepare the creamy chicken rice soup, a few essential kitchen tools are necessary to ensure the cooking process is smooth and hassle-free.
Here is a list of the utensils you’ll need:
1. Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot or Dutch oven will serve as the primary vessel for cooking the soup. It should be big enough to hold all the ingredients and the broth comfortably, allowing for even heat distribution and simmering.
2. Wooden Spoon: A sturdy wooden spoon is required for stirring the ingredients together, ensuring they cook evenly without sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in this soup. A set of measuring cups and spoons will help you accurately measure the ingredients.
4. Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife and a stable cutting board are necessary for chopping the vegetables, garlic, and chicken for the soup. Ensuring they are cut into uniform sizes will allow for even cooking.
5. Ladle: A ladle is essential for serving the creamy chicken rice soup, allowing you to scoop up the perfect mix of broth, vegetables, rice, and chicken.
6. Whisk: A whisk is helpful when incorporating the flour and cream into the broth, helping to prevent lumps and ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.
Having these tools at hand before beginning the cooking process will help ensure the preparation of the creamy chicken rice soup goes smoothly, resulting in a delicious and comforting dish.
How To Make Creamy Chicken Rice Soup?
To make a creamy chicken rice soup, follow these simple steps:
– Step 1: Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the olive oil, followed by the chopped celery, carrots, onion, and minced garlic.
Stir the vegetables in the pot for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and develop a slight golden color, which enhances the flavor base of your soup.
– Step 2: Once the vegetables are sautéed to perfection, sprinkle the flour over them.
Stir the mixture continuously for a couple of minutes to cook off the raw flour taste without letting it burn.
– Step 3: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to merge the flour-veggie mixture with the broth smoothly, ensuring there are no lumps.
This forms a silky foundation for your soup.
– Step 4: Add the Italian seasoning and uncooked white jasmine rice into the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer uncovered.
This process allows the rice to cook thoroughly and absorb the flavors of the soup, adding to its creamy texture.
– Step 5: While the rice is simmering, in a separate pan, cook the chicken pieces with a bit of olive oil until they’re no longer pink inside.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to the soup pot.
– Step 6: The final touch involves pouring the heavy or whipping cream into the pot, and stirring it in until well combined.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
– Step 7: Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes on low heat, giving the flavors time to meld.
Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired, for a comforting, creamy chicken rice soup.
Substitutions and Variations
This creamy chicken rice soup is versatile, allowing for various substitutions and additions based on dietary preferences, availability of ingredients, or simply the desire to experiment with new flavors.
Here are some popular alternatives:
1. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian soup, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables like potatoes, peas, or green beans for added texture and nutrition.
2. Rice Alternatives: If jasmine rice is not available, feel free to use other types of rice such as basmati or even brown rice for a whole-grain option. Note that cooking times may vary slightly with different rice types.
3. Cream Substitutes: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. For an even lighter soup, try using milk thickened with a bit of flour or cornstarch.
4. Protein Variations: While chicken is the preferred choice for this soup, you can also use leftover turkey, especially after the holidays. For a completely different flavor profile, try adding cooked, shredded pork or beef.
5. Herbs and Spices: Feel free to play with the herbs and spices. While Italian seasoning gives a traditional flavor, adding thyme, rosemary, or even a bay leaf can create a depth of flavor. Fresh herbs added at the end of cooking can also enhance the freshness of the dish.
These substitutions and variations ensure that the creamy chicken rice soup can be tailored to suit any taste or dietary requirement, making it a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed by all.
Leftovers and Storage
Storing leftovers properly is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of the creamy chicken rice soup.
Firstly, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storage.
This should be done within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
Once cooled, transfer the soup into airtight containers.
This helps to preserve the flavor and freshness of the soup while preventing any contamination.
It’s advisable to store the soup in smaller portions.
Smaller quantities make it easier to reheat only what you need, reducing waste and ensuring the soup is consumed at its best.
Refrigerate the creamy chicken rice soup at or below 40°F (4°C).
The soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
Frozen creamy chicken rice soup can be stored longer, though its quality might start to diminish after the first month.
If the soup is frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before heating it on medium heat, stirring from time to time.
Ensure that the soup reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving to ensure it is safely reheated.
FAQs About Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe
1. Can I use canned chicken instead of cooking my own?
Canned chicken can be used as a substitute, but it is not recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Freshly cooked chicken adds more depth to the soup.
2. Is there any alternative to using flour for thickening?
Cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be used instead of flour for thickening.
However, they may require different amounts compared to flour, so it’s essential to follow a recipe or adjust accordingly.
3. Can I freeze the soup with the heavy cream already added?
It is not advisable to freeze the soup if the heavy cream has been added.
Cream tends to separate and change consistency when frozen and reheated.
It’s best to add it in after thawing and reheating the soup.
Conclusion
Creamy chicken rice soup is a simple yet hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
It’s easy to make, versatile, and can be tailored to suit various dietary needs.
With the right substitutions and variations, this soup can be enjoyed by everyone, making it a go-to recipe for many households.
So go ahead and make a big batch of this delicious soup, and enjoy its comforting flavors throughout the week!
Creamy Chicken Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup white jasmine rice, uncooked
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a big pot, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the celery, sliced carrots, and chopped onion. Sauté the veggies till they get tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Thicken the Soup: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring continuously until the raw flour disappears.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Add Rice and Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning and uncooked jasmine rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, allowing the rice to cook and absorb flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: In a separate pan, cook the chicken pieces in a bit of olive oil until fully cooked. Then, add the cooked chicken to the soup pot.
- Cream it up: Pour the heavy or whipping cream into the pot, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Final Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes on low heat for flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.