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Creamy Comfort Chicken & Rice Soup

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A warm, easy-to-make soup featuring tender chicken and rice in a creamy broth, perfect for cozy nights and quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 3/4 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati optional)
  • 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free cream substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or rosemary)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. If you don’t have cooked chicken, poach 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in simmering salted water for about 15 minutes until cooked through. Let cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add minced garlic and thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 6 cups chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in rice, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently, partially covered, for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir in shredded chicken and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Heat through for 5 minutes on low, avoiding boiling to prevent curdling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Just before serving, stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Notes

Do not boil the soup after adding cream to prevent curdling. Stir occasionally but not constantly when cooking rice to avoid gluey texture. Add lemon juice at the end to brighten flavor. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; add broth or water when reheating to loosen soup.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, creamy soup, chicken and rice, comfort food, easy soup recipe, homemade soup, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/creamy-comfort-chicken-and-rice-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-warm-soup/