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:
- Dice the veggies and chicken:
- Chop the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the Veggies and Chicken:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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:
- Prepare the creamy base:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk (or half-and-half) and flour until smooth.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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! 🍲🥕🌿