Description
Warm up with a bowl of Velvety Chicken and Rice Comfort Soup, a creamy and satisfying dish perfect for cozy nights in. Packed with tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and fragrant vegetables, this soup delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or looking to use up leftover chicken, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken (ideal for this dish; using leftover rotisserie chicken enhances both flavor and convenience.)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Incorporate the diced onion, carrots, and celery into the pan, cooking them gently until they become tender and aromatic, which should take approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, lower the heat, and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
- Incorporate the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring well. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the chicken to heat through and for the flavors to meld together.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, making sure the soup is heated through but not boiling, as you want to maintain the cream’s velvety texture.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup into individual bowls, and top each with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant touch and a hint of freshness.
Notes
- Use Leftovers: Rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe, saving time while adding flavor.
- Rice Options: White rice is quick to cook and absorbs the soup’s flavors beautifully. For a healthier twist, try brown rice (note that it will need a longer cooking time).
- Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to include mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to boost the nutrition and flavor.
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to adjust the consistency, as the rice may absorb the liquid over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American