Introduction
Cream of chicken and rice soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter day or when you are feeling under the weather. This soup is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. In this article, we will show you how to make cream of chicken and rice soup in just a few simple steps.
Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s go over the ingredients you will need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
First, you will need to cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it cool before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
While the chicken is cooking, you can start cooking the rice. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the rice and reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the rice cook for about 18-20 minutes or until tender. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Saute the Onion and Garlic
In the same pan you used to cook the chicken, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Soup
Add the chicken broth, shredded chicken, cooked rice, and dried thyme to the pan with the sauteed onion and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Your cream of chicken and rice soup is now ready to be served! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or croutons if desired.
Tips
If you want to make this soup even more flavorful, try adding some chopped carrots or celery to the sauteed onions and garlic. You can also use different types of rice, such as brown rice or wild rice, for a different texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Cream of chicken and rice soup is a delicious and comforting meal that is easy to make at home. With just a few simple steps, you can have a warm bowl of soup ready to enjoy in no time. So next time you are in the mood for some comfort food, give this recipe a try!