🥣 Creamy Chicken and Brown Rice Soup 🍗🍚

This Creamy Chicken and Brown Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chicken, wholesome brown rice, and nutritious veggies, all in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s a hearty and healthy option for a cozy lunch or dinner, and it’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day!

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced 🍗
• 1 cup brown rice, uncooked 🍚
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
• 1 medium onion, diced 🧅
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced 🥕
• 2 celery stalks, diced 🥬
• 6 cups chicken broth 🍲
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half 🥛
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley 🌿
• Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional) 🌿

📝 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Dice the veggies and chicken:

• Chop the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté the Veggies and Chicken:

1. Cook the chicken:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

1. Cook the veggies:

• Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the veggies start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Rice and Broth:

1. Add the rice and broth:

• Pour in the chicken broth, add the uncooked brown rice, thyme, and parsley. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

4. Make the Soup Creamy:

1. Prepare the creamy base:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the milk (or half-and-half) and flour until smooth.

1. Add to the soup:

• Pour the milk mixture into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens and becomes creamy.

5. Finish and Serve:

1. Add the chicken and spinach:

• Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add the chopped spinach, if using. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through.

1. Season and serve:

• Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the Creamy Chicken and Brown Rice Soup into bowls and serve hot.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 45 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 1 hour
🍽️ Servings: 4-6 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving

This Creamy Chicken and Brown Rice Soup is a filling and nutritious meal that’s perfect for the whole family. It’s a creamy, satisfying soup that’s both hearty and wholesome, making it an ideal dish for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Enjoy the warmth in every spoonful! 🍲🥕🌿