Description
This easy creamy chicken and rice soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day. Made with tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, creamy broth, and wholesome jasmine rice, it simmers to a rich, flavorful delight that warms the soul. It’s simple to prepare and makes a great family-friendly lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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
Thickening and Flavor
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup uncooked white jasmine rice
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Protein
- 1 pound uncooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces or strips
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the olive oil, celery, carrots, and onion to a soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and start to release their flavors.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and flour, cooking for about one minute to combine and slightly toast the flour for thickening.
- Incorporate Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot to dissolve any browned bits and the flour, creating a smooth base.
- Add Seasoning, Rice, and Cream: Stir in Italian seasoning, jasmine rice, and heavy cream. Increase heat to high until the soup gently boils, then reduce to a simmer and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.
- Cook Chicken and Finish Soup: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and continue cooking for another 7-10 minutes until both chicken and rice are fully cooked. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup thickens too much, add additional chicken broth to reach desired consistency. For leftovers, cook rice separately and add before serving.
Notes
- This soup thickens quickly due to the rice and cream, so adding extra broth may be necessary if you prefer a thinner soup or for leftovers.
- To maintain rice texture in leftovers, cook rice separately and add when serving.
- Adjust seasoning at the end for best flavor, as rice and cream may mellow the taste.
- Use fresh vegetables and quality chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent rice from sticking to the pot bottom.
