Creamy Chicken and Brown Rice Soup
Warm up with a bowl of Creamy Chicken and Brown Rice Soup, a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420kcal
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the uncooked brown rice and sauté for 1 minute to toast the grains slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Stir the shredded cooked chicken into the pot and continue cooking for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
- Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to warm the cream thoroughly.
- Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Optionally, garnish the soup with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful addition. - Rinse the brown rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent gumminess. - If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked rice before adding the cream. - For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk or cashew cream. - Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients. - Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat. - Ensure all ingredients, including broth, are gluten-free for a gluten-free version. - Use milk or a light cream alternative instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcal | Fat: 20g