Origin and Region: Ranch Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that has roots in American home cooking. It’s popular throughout the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Southern regions where ranch flavors are beloved.
Introduction: Ranch Chicken and Rice Soup is a creamy and flavorful soup featuring tender chicken, rice, vegetables, and the classic flavors of ranch seasoning. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a satisfying bowl of soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crumbled bacon
- Sliced green onions
- Sour cream
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less chicken broth or cream, according to your preference.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.
- For extra flavor, sauté the vegetables in butter before adding the chicken broth.
- Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the chicken broth, rice, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until heated through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot with optional toppings on the side.
Description: Ranch Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting and creamy soup made with tender chicken, rice, vegetables, and ranch seasoning. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for warming up on cold days or when you’re craving a cozy bowl of soup.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, based on typical ingredients and serving size)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 22g
Conclusion: Ranch Chicken and Rice Soup is a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for cozy nights at home. With its creamy texture and savory ranch flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Recommendation: Serve this soup as a hearty main dish for lunch or dinner, accompanied by a side salad or crusty bread for dipping. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and satisfying meal.