Cream Of Celery Soup With Chicken And Rice Recipe

Ah, the comfort of a warm bowl of soup-there’s really nothing like it when the weather turns chilly or when you’re craving something soothing yet hearty. One soup that’s sure to satisfy your cravings is Cream of Celery Soup with Chicken and Rice. This dish marries the delicate, subtle flavor of celery with the rich creaminess of a velvety soup base, and the chicken and rice give it that fulfilling, "meal-in-a-bowl" quality that makes it a perfect weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.

What sets this recipe apart is its balance of flavors. The creaminess from the milk and cream combined with the earthiness of celery, the savory richness from the chicken, and the texture from the rice creates a comforting symphony of flavors. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less clean-up-another win!

Let’s dive into the specifics of this dish so you can recreate it in your own kitchen.

Cream Of Celery Soup With Chicken And Rice Recipe

This recipe is easy to follow, and it’ll make your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible. Here’s how to whip up this comforting and creamy soup from scratch.

Ingredients Needed

To make the Cream of Celery Soup with Chicken and Rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter – This forms the base of your soup and adds richness.
• 1 medium onion, diced – A mild onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
• 4 cups celery, chopped – The star of the show! Celery provides a fresh, vegetal taste and a nice crunch.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Garlic adds an aromatic depth to the dish, balancing the flavors.
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs – Chicken adds protein and substance, making the soup more filling.
• 4 cups chicken broth – This provides a savory base for the soup, ensuring the chicken and vegetables meld together.
• 1 cup cooked white rice – Rice contributes a soft, comforting texture and absorbs all the flavors of the soup.
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half – This is what gives the soup its creamy, velvety consistency.
• Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
• Optional herbs and spices: You can use thyme, rosemary, or parsley to bring additional flavors to the soup.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Start by cooking your chicken. In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes per side. The chicken should be cooked through, so use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
   • Once done, remove from the pot and set aside to rest. After a few minutes, chop the chicken into bite-sized cubes. You can also shred it with two forks if you prefer a more shredded texture in the soup.

2. Sauté Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add a bit more oil or butter, if needed. Toss in the diced onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and chopped celery. Sauté for another 3-5 minutes until the celery starts to soften and becomes fragrant. This helps release the natural sweetness of the celery.

3. Create The Soup Base

   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the celery to soften even more.
   • Add in the cooked rice and stir, letting it absorb the broth.

4. Add The Cream And Chicken

   • Now, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring to combine. Add the cooked chicken, and allow everything to simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes. The cream will thicken slightly, creating that luxurious texture.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. At this stage, you can also add your optional herbs, like thyme or parsley, to enhance the flavor.

5. Serve

   • Once everything is well-combined and heated through, your soup is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls, and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Ingredient Insights

To truly understand the magic of this soup, let’s take a deeper look at some of the ingredients:

• Celery: It’s more than just a crunchy snack. In soups, celery provides an earthy base note that balances the creaminess and makes the dish feel fresh, even though it’s a rich, comforting soup. The stalks contribute a subtle sweetness while the leaves can offer a more herbaceous flavor.
• Chicken: It’s the protein that makes this soup a full meal. Chicken, especially when cooked with the skin removed, is a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy base. The best part? The chicken soaks up all the flavors from the broth, making each bite a comforting mouthful.
• Heavy Cream: This is what takes the soup from a simple vegetable broth to a luscious, creamy dish. It creates that luxurious mouthfeel, making the soup feel indulgent without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Rice: Rice in soup may seem unusual to some, but it adds a hearty texture. As it soaks up the liquid, the rice helps thicken the soup slightly, while maintaining that comfort-food vibe.

Expert Tips

• Chicken Prep: If you want to save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it in at the end when you’re stirring in the cream. It cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
• Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even milk, though it won’t be as thick and rich. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut milk for a subtle twist (though it will change the flavor slightly).
• Flavor Boosters: Don’t shy away from adding spices or herbs! A dash of cayenne pepper can give it a gentle heat, or fresh thyme can lend an earthy complexity. Try stirring in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a tangy edge.
• Thickening the Soup: If you like a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender. Just take some of the soup (celery and rice, for instance) and pulse until smooth, then stir it back in.

Recipe Variations

One of the beauties of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few variations you can try to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Vegan Version: Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, swap the chicken for cubed tofu or tempeh, and replace the cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free alternative.
• Add Greens: Throw in some spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for a burst of color and added nutrients. It’ll make the soup a little more robust while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Smoky Twist: Add a bit of smoked paprika or even a few strips of crispy bacon to the soup for a smoky, savory kick.
• Herb Variations: Use fresh basil or oregano instead of thyme or rosemary for a more Mediterranean feel, or go with dill for a more refreshing, bright note.

Final Words

This Cream of Celery Soup with Chicken and Rice isn’t just food-it’s a warm hug in a bowl. The way the ingredients come together to form a rich, comforting, and nourishing dish is a reminder of the joys of homemade cooking. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a solo meal, this soup is bound to bring comfort to your table. It’s filling, flavorful, and versatile, so you can make it your own with just a few tweaks.