Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe from USA with Tomatoes, Green Peas, Okra, and More

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken and rice soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day or when you are feeling under the weather. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

Chicken and rice soup has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe found in many different cultures around the world. It is believed to have originated in China, where rice has been a staple food for thousands of years. The addition of chicken and vegetables to the rice created a nutritious and filling meal that could be easily prepared.

Ingredients

3 cups canned peeled whole tomatoes, chopped
2 to 3 cups cooked chicken cubes
1 10 oz (283 g) package frozen green peas
1 10 oz (283 g) package frozen cut okra
12 to 15 whole small onions
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
0.75 cup uncooked rice
2 tbsp sugar (optional)
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
2 qt (1.89 liters) (8 cups) chicken stock

How to prepare

Combine tomatoes, chicken, peas, okra, onions, celery, carrots, rice, sugar, pepper, and stock in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice and vegetables are tender.

Variations

Add in some diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a richer flavor.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.
Spice it up with some red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe.

- Feel free to add in any other vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

- For extra flavor, you can sauté the onions, celery, and carrots before adding them to the soup.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, adding more or less sugar and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken and rice soup hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal. You can also top it with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering: Simmer the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to cook through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of this soup.

- Swap out the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based protein option.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for a creamy finish. - Serve the soup in bread bowls for a fun and creative presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this chicken and rice soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 4g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This chicken and rice soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for lunch or dinner.

Summary

Chicken and rice soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup with your favorite toppings and sides for a satisfying and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a chilly fall day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I turned the pages, a simple recipe for Chicken and Rice Soup caught my eye. The ingredients were basic - chicken, rice, carrots, celery, onion, and some herbs - but the combination sounded so comforting and delicious. I knew I had to try it.

I decided to make the soup for dinner that night. I gathered all the ingredients and got to work. I chopped the vegetables, cooked the chicken, and simmered everything together in a pot until the flavors melded together beautifully. The aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I took my first spoonful of the soup, I knew I had discovered a new favorite recipe. The broth was rich and flavorful, the chicken was tender, and the rice added a comforting heartiness to the dish. I couldn't believe how something so simple could taste so delicious. I made sure to write down the recipe in my own recipe book, so I could make it again and again.

Over the years, I've made Chicken and Rice Soup countless times. It has become a staple in my kitchen, especially on cold winter nights when all I crave is something warm and comforting. I've tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that, but the basic elements have remained the same.

I remember the first time I shared the recipe with my own daughter. She was a young girl at the time, eager to learn how to cook like her mama. I showed her how to chop the vegetables, how to season the broth just right, and how to simmer everything together until it was perfect. She watched me with wide eyes, absorbing every step, and when we finally sat down to eat the soup together, she beamed with pride.

Now, my daughter is all grown up and has a family of her own. She still makes Chicken and Rice Soup for her children, passing down the recipe and the tradition to the next generation. It warms my heart to see her carrying on the family recipe, creating memories in her own kitchen just like I did in mine.

As I think back on all the recipes I've collected over the years, I realize that each one tells a story. They are a reflection of the people and places I've encountered in my life, a way to connect with my past and pass on a piece of myself to those I love. And the recipe for Chicken and Rice Soup is no exception.

It may seem like just a simple soup, but to me, it holds a world of memories and love. It's a reminder of cozy nights spent around the dinner table with my family, of laughter and joy shared over a steaming bowl of soup. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish both body and soul.

So the next time you're in need of a little comfort, a little warmth, I urge you to try making Chicken and Rice Soup. Let the aroma fill your kitchen, let the flavors dance on your taste buds, and let the memories of all the generations before you swirl around you. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.