Ranch Chicken Rice Soup

How to make Ranch Chicken Rice Soup

Ingredients:

* 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded

* 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

* 2 carrots, peeled and diced

* 2 ribs celery, diced

* 1 onion, finely chopped

* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

* 1 (1.0 oz.) package dry ranch seasoning mix

* 1 (10.75 oz.) can condensed cheddar cheese or cream of chicken soup

* 2/3 cup uncooked white rice

* 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

* 1/2 teaspoon paprika

* real bacon bits, garnish, optional

* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

* kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sauté onion, carrot and celery for 8-10 minutes, or until softened.

Season with salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning and paprika.

Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, then stir in chicken broth and condensed soup.

Stir in chicken and rice, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is fully cooked.

Add bacon bits, then taste and adjust seasoning, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes:

Chicken Preparation:

Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken, leftovers, or any pre-cooked chicken. Ensure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the soup.

Chicken Broth: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if available. If using store-bought, opt for low-sodium to control the salt content.

Vegetable Sautéing:

Cooking Vegetables: Sautéing the onion, carrot, and celery until softened is crucial for developing the soup’s base flavor. Don’t rush this step; it adds depth to the soup.

Seasoning:

Adjusting Flavor: The ranch seasoning mix adds a tangy flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can start with half the packet and adjust to taste.

Additional Spices: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder to suit your preferences. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also be added for extra flavor.

Rice Cooking:

Rice Type: This recipe uses white rice. If substituting with brown rice or other varieties, adjust the cooking time as needed. Brown rice may require additional cooking time.

Rice Texture: Ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender before serving. If the soup seems too thick, you can add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Condensed Soup:

Creamy Option: Condensed cheddar cheese soup gives a creamy texture and cheesy flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, use condensed cream of chicken soup instead or substitute with a low-fat version.

Bacon Bits:

Optional Garnish: Bacon bits add a crunchy texture and extra flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, you can skip them or use turkey bacon bits.

Simmering:

Cooking Time: Be sure to simmer the soup long enough for the flavors to meld and the rice to cook thoroughly. The covered simmering helps to retain moisture and flavor.

Adjusting Consistency:

Thickening Soup: If the soup becomes too thick after adding the rice, simply add additional chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions:

Accompaniments: Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also enhance presentation.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing: The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Note that rice may absorb more liquid upon reheating, so you might need to add extra broth.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.

Shred about 3 cups of cooked chicken and add it to the soup during the cooking process.

Is it necessary to use low-sodium chicken broth?

Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you better control over the salt content.

If you prefer, you can use regular chicken broth, but be cautious with additional salt to avoid over-seasoning.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese soup with cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese soup with cream of chicken soup.

Both options will add creaminess to the soup.

Are real bacon bits necessary for garnish, and can they be omitted?

Real bacon bits are optional for garnish.

You can omit them if you prefer a vegetarian version or want to reduce the overall fat content.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice.

Keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time, so adjust the simmering time accordingly or pre-cook the brown rice before adding it to the soup.