Description
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cozy meals. It features tender chicken pieces and fluffy jasmine rice simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth enriched with sautéed vegetables and Italian seasoning. Easy to prepare, this soup combines a velvety texture with balanced savory flavors for a satisfying family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 stalk celery, chopped finely
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped finely
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Thickening and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Main Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup uncooked white jasmine rice
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)
- 1 pound uncooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces or strips
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the 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 release their aroma.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and all-purpose flour. Cook for about one minute while stirring continuously to eliminate the raw flour taste and begin forming a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
- Incorporate Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Continue stirring until the flour is fully dissolved, resulting in a smooth soup base.
- Add Seasoning and Rice: Add the Italian seasoning, jasmine rice, and heavy cream to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Stir well, then reduce the heat to low to simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
- Cook Chicken and Finalize: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the simmering soup. Continue cooking for an additional 7 to 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If a thinner consistency is preferred, add additional chicken broth. Serve the soup hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the soup may be less rich.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor impact in the soup.
- Keep stirring occasionally during simmering to avoid the rice sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adding extra chicken broth lets you control the soup thickness to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American