Creamy Chicken Rice Asparagus Soup
Indulge in the comforting embrace of a bowl of Creamy Chicken Rice Asparagus Soup, a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will warm you from the inside out. This wholesome soup combines tender chunks of chicken, vibrant asparagus spears, and earthy carrots, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices. With each spoonful, you’ll savor the hearty richness of the long grain and wild rice blend, adding depth and substance to every bite.
Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or served as a satisfying lunch, this soup is a nourishing and flavorful addition to any table. Treat yourself to a bowl of creamy goodness and let each spoonful transport you to a place of culinary bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of butter, flour, chicken broth, and almond milk creates a luxuriously creamy base that envelops the tender chicken, hearty rice, and vibrant vegetables, offering a comforting and satisfying texture.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken, asparagus, carrots, and onions, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Asparagus and carrots provide essential vitamins and minerals, while chicken offers protein, making it a well-rounded meal option.
Flavorful Seasonings: The addition of garlic, thyme, fresh ground pepper, nutmeg, and bay leaf infuses the soup with layers of aromatic and savory flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile and making each spoonful incredibly flavorful.
Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is versatile and easily adaptable to suit individual preferences. You can adjust the seasonings, swap ingredients, or add extra vegetables to customize the soup according to taste or dietary restrictions.
Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet appearance and rich taste, this soup is simple to prepare, requiring basic cooking techniques and readily available ingredients. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with friends and family.
Perfect for All Seasons: Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal during chilly winter evenings or as a light and refreshing option on warmer days, this soup is versatile enough to be enjoyed throughout the year, making it a staple in any recipe collection.
Satisfying and Filling: With a combination of protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the rice, this soup is not only delicious but also filling, providing a satisfying meal that keeps hunger at bay.
Ideal for Meal Prep: This soup reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. You can make a big batch ahead of time and portion it out for quick and convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and flavorful broth of this soup make it appealing to both adults and children alike. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters while still offering a comforting and familiar taste.
Impressive Presentation: Whether served as a starter at a dinner party or as the main course for a family meal, this Creamy Chicken Rice Asparagus Soup looks as impressive as it tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Key Ingredients:
Long Grain and Wild Rice Blend: Provides a hearty base with a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Asparagus: Adds a vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly crisp texture to the soup.
Carrots: Offer sweetness and earthiness, complementing the other flavors in the soup.
Onion and Garlic: Infuse the soup with aromatic depth and savory notes.
Unsalted Butter: Enhances richness and adds a creamy texture to the soup base.
Salt, Thyme, Fresh Ground Pepper, Nutmeg, and Bay Leaf: Seasonings that contribute to the well-balanced flavor profile of the soup.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create a creamy consistency in the broth.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base and depth of flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Extra Dry Vermouth: Adds a subtle complexity and depth to the broth, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
Cooked Chicken: Adds protein and heartiness to the soup, making it a satisfying meal.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: Offers creaminess without dairy, making the soup suitable for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
How to make Creamy Chicken Rice Asparagus Soup
Ingredients
3/4 cup long grain and wild rice blend
2 cups asparagus
1 cup carrots
1/2 cup onion
3 garlic cloves
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup extra dry vermouth
2 cups cooked chicken
4 cups unsweetened almond milk, unenriched
Instructions:
Prepare the long grain and wild rice blend according to package instructions, omitting salt and seasoning packet if included
Remove the pan from heat, allow rice to sit, covered, for additional 15 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
Dice the asparagus, carrots and onion. Mince the garlic.
In a Dutch oven, melt the butter and sauté the garlic and onion until tender. Add carrots, herbs and spices. Continue to cook over medium heat until tender.
Mix in the flour and cook over low heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and vermouth. Using a wire whisk, blend until smooth.
Dice the cooked chicken into small pieces. Add chicken and asparagus to the soup, then slowly add the almond milk. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Fold in prepared rice, and serve.
Notes:
Creamy and Comforting: This soup combines the richness of a creamy base with the heartiness of chicken, rice, and vegetables, making it a comforting and satisfying meal, especially during colder months.
Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with nutritious ingredients like asparagus, carrots, and chicken, this soup offers a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and protein, promoting overall health and well-being.
Versatile and Adaptable: While the recipe specifies certain ingredients, it’s versatile enough to accommodate variations based on personal preferences or ingredient availability. For example, you can swap out the almond milk for dairy milk or use different vegetables based on what’s in season.
Flavorful Herb and Spice Blend: The combination of thyme, fresh ground pepper, nutmeg, and bay leaf adds layers of flavor to the soup, creating a delicious and aromatic broth that enhances the overall dining experience.
Creaminess without Dairy: By using unsweetened almond milk instead of dairy milk, this recipe caters to those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies while still achieving a creamy consistency.
Preparation Efficiency: The recipe provides step-by-step instructions for preparing each component of the soup, ensuring that each ingredient is utilized efficiently and that the cooking process flows smoothly.
Make-Ahead Option: This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for meal prep or busy weeknights when you want a wholesome and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 398 | Total Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 493mg | Total Carbohydrates: 32g | Dietary Fiber: 5g | Sugars: 4g | Protein: 28g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, you can substitute regular dairy milk for almond milk if preferred.
The soup will still be creamy and delicious.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables as a convenient alternative.
Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the soup.
Can I use other types of rice?
While the recipe calls for a long grain and wild rice blend, you can use other types of rice like jasmine rice or basmati rice.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for vermouth?
If you don’t have vermouth on hand, you can substitute white wine or omit it altogether.
It adds flavor but is not essential to the recipe.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months.
Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the soup to your liking.
Rosemary, parsley, or sage would all be great additions.
Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.