If you're craving a comforting, hearty soup, try making this 100 g chicken or turkey rice soup at home. With only 69 calories per serving, it's a low-calorie and nutritious option. This soup is perfect for cold nights or when you need something to warm you up.
This soup is packed with nutrients like protein from the chicken or turkey, fiber from the rice, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It's a healthy and easy meal that you can enjoy any day of the week.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know to make this delicious soup at home, as well as some tips to make it even more delicious and healthy.
Easy Steps to Make Chicken or Turkey Rice Soup at Home
To make chicken or turkey rice soup at home, you'll need a few simple ingredients and about an hour of your time. Here are the steps to follow:
- Cook chicken or turkey in a pot with water until it's fully cooked. Remove from pot and shred the meat.
- Cook the vegetables, including onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, in the same pot until they are tender.
- Add rice and cooked chicken or turkey meat to the pot and simmer until the rice is fully cooked.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and other spices to taste.
That's it! You can serve the soup hot or store it for later. It's a simple and nutritious meal that you can enjoy anytime.
Health Benefits of Chicken or Turkey Rice Soup
Chicken or turkey rice soup is not just delicious, but also packed with health benefits. Here are some of the key nutrients that you can get from this soup:
- Protein: The chicken or turkey in this soup provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Fiber: The rice in this soup is a good source of fiber, which can help with digestion and keeping you full.
- Vitamins and minerals: The vegetables in this soup, including onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, provide a good amount of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
Eating this soup regularly can help you meet your daily nutrient needs and keep you healthy.
Full Nutritional Breakdown of Chicken or Turkey Rice Soup
Here is the nutritional information for one serving (100 grams) of chicken or turkey rice soup:
- calories: 69
- Total fat: 1g
- Saturated fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 162mg
- Total carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin D: 0%
- Calcium: 1%
- Iron: 3%
- Potassium: 207mg
This soup is low in calories and fat, and is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. It's a nutritious and filling meal that you can enjoy anytime.
Tips to Store and Reheat Chicken or Turkey Rice Soup
If you're making a big batch of chicken or turkey rice soup, you may want to store it for later. Here are some tips to make sure your soup stays fresh and tasty:
- Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat the soup on the stove on low heat until it's heated through, stirring occasionally.
- You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your chicken or turkey rice soup for days to come.
Variations to Try on Chicken or Turkey Rice Soup
While chicken or turkey rice soup is delicious on its own, you can also try some variations to switch things up. Here are some ideas:
- Add some canned tomatoes or tomato paste to the soup for a tomato-based flavor.
- Use different types of rice, like brown rice or wild rice, for more texture and flavor.
- Try using different vegetables, like mushrooms, kale, or spinach, for added nutrients.
- Make the soup creamy by adding some heavy cream or coconut milk.
Experimenting with different variations can be fun and help you discover new flavors you love.
Ingredients You Need in Making Chicken or Turkey Rice Soup
To make chicken or turkey rice soup at home, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken or turkey meat
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup rice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Other spices, like thyme or bay leaf, optional
You can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store and make this soup at home.
How to Make Chicken or Turkey Rice Soup Creamier
If you like cream-based soups, you can make chicken or turkey rice soup creamier by adding some heavy cream or coconut milk. Here's how to do it:
- Once the soup is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Pour 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk into the soup and stir well.
- Return the pot to the heat and cook on low heat for another 5-10 minutes until the soup is heated through.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
This creamy version of the soup is rich and satisfying, perfect for a cold night.
Ways to Serve Chicken or Turkey Rice Soup with Bread
Chicken or turkey rice soup pairs well with different types of bread, from crusty baguettes to soft rolls. Here are some ideas to try:
- Garlic bread: Make a simple garlic bread by toasting slices of bread in the oven with garlic and butter.
- Focaccia: Serve the soup with a slice of Italian focaccia bread, either plain or with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Crackers: If you're short on time, you can serve the soup with your favorite crackers for a quick and easy meal.
Bread can help you soak up every last drop of the soup, making it even more delicious.
Perfect Pairings for Chicken or Turkey Rice Soup
If you're looking for some dishes to pair with your chicken or turkey rice soup, here are some delicious and easy ideas:
- Wedge salad: Serve the soup with a refreshing wedge salad made with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: For a classic combo, make a grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar or Swiss cheese and serve it alongside the soup.
- Veggie wrap: If you want a lighter option, make a veggie wrap with lettuce, avocado, and hummus to balance out the soup's richness.
These dishes can complement the soup's flavors and make for a filling and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions on Chicken or Turkey Rice Soup
Here are some common questions people have about chicken or turkey rice soup:
- Can I use leftover chicken or turkey in this soup? Yes, using leftover meat is a great way to reduce food waste and make a delicious soup.
- Can I add other vegetables to this soup? Absolutely, feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can use any type of rice you like, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
- Is this soup spicy? Not unless you add spices to it, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a little kick.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your chicken or turkey rice soup for days to come.
Soup is a lot like a family. Each ingredient enhances the others; each batch has its own characteristics; and it needs time to simmer to reach full flavor - Marge Kennedy
FAQs About Chicken or Turkey Rice Soup
1. How many servings does the recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook.
3. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Yes, you can add more vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, spinach, or kale.
4. How should I store the soup?
The soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days.
5. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the soup completely before freezing and to label the container with the date.