Name: Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 Carrot; 1 onion; 1 rib celery; 4 cloves garlic; 7½ cups low sodium chicken broth; ¾ cup rice; 1½ tsp salt; ¾ lb escarole; 1 lb boneless; ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper; 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley; 6 tbsp parmesan

Escarole soup with chicken and rice is a tasty and healthy choice that brings together the savory flavors of chicken and rice with the slightly bitter, yet wholesome taste of escarole. This soup can be a perfect main dish for a chilly winter's evening meal or a light lunch on a sunny day.

Photos of Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice Recipe

Escarole might not be a regular staple in your refrigerator. This leafy green vegetable, a part of the endive family, has a bitter flavor that mellows out when cooked. This nutrient packed veggie can be found in most supermarkets especially in the fresh produce aisle. Don't be afraid to ask a store worker if you're having difficulty locating it.

Ingredients for Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice

Olive oil: The base for sautéing the vegetables, lends a rich flavor.

Carrot: Adds a sweet flavor and vibrant color.

Onion: Provides a savory base for the soup.

Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and flavor.

Garlic: Gives a sharp, aromatic flavor punch.

Chicken broth: Forms the comforting soup base.

Rice: Adds texture and makes the soup more satisfying.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all ingredients.

Escarole: The star ingredient, its slight bitterness is balanced by other ingredients.

Chicken: Adds protein and makes the soup heartier.

Black pepper: Adds a nice kick and depth of flavor.

Parsley: Adds freshness and color to the soup.

Parmesan: Gives a salty, nutty finish to the soup.

One reader, Kliment Grey says:

This escarole soup with chicken and rice recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting. The combination of tender chicken, hearty rice, and the slight bitterness of escarole is just perfect. It's a wholesome and satisfying meal that's become a staple in my home. Highly recommended!

Kliment Grey

Techniques Required for Making Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice

How to sauté vegetables: Sauté the carrot, onion, celery, and garlic in a large pot over moderately low heat until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.

How to simmer soup: Bring the broth, rice, and salt to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes. Add the escarole and continue simmering until almost tender, about 5 minutes.

How to cook chicken in soup: Add the chicken and pepper to the simmering soup and continue cooking for just 1 minute until the chicken is done.

How to finish the soup: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the parsley and parmesan. For a richer soup, stir two well-beaten eggs into the pot along with the parsley and parmesan cheese after removing the pot from the heat.

How To Make Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice

Whip up a warm and filling meal with this no-fuss escarole soup recipe, packed with tender chicken pieces, rice, and a medley of savory vegetables!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 45 minutes

Total: 55 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3tbspolive oil
1carrot
1onion
1rib celery
4garlic cloves
7½cupschicken broth,low sodium
¾cuprice
1½tspsalt
¾lbescarole,(1 small head)
1lbchicken,boneless
½tspfresh ground black pepper
2tbspfresh parsley,chopped
6tbspparmesan,grated

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the carrot, onion, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften. Add the broth, rice, and salt.
Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes.
Add the escarole to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the escarole is almost tender.
Add the chicken and pepper. Bring to a simmer and continue simmering for just 1 minute.
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the parsley and Parmesan.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Variation: For a richer soup, stir two well-beaten eggs into the pot along with the parsley and Parmesan cheese (after removing the pot from the heat)

Nutrition

Calories: 722.46kcal
Fat: 36.63g
Saturated Fat: 10.13g
Trans Fat: 0.11g
Monounsaturated Fat: 18.22g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.90g
Carbohydrates: 54.77g
Fiber: 3.97g
Sugar: 9.45g
Protein: 41.44g
Cholesterol: 108.03mg
Sodium: 1792.57mg
Calcium: 237.00mg
Potassium: 1058.62mg
Iron: 2.98mg
Vitamin A: 218.34µg
Vitamin C: 12.08mg

Helpful Technique for Preparing Escarole Soup

When preparing the escarole for this soup, make sure to wash it thoroughly to remove any grit or dirt that can often be found in the leaves. Also, chopping the escarole into bite-sized pieces will ensure it cooks evenly and is easier to eat in the soup. For the chicken, it's best to cut it into small, thin strips so it cooks quickly and evenly in the soup. Lastly, when adding the rice, make sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Escarole Soup

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonder: Use a large pot to cook the soup, minimizing the number of dishes to clean.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it from scratch.

Quick-cooking rice: Opt for quick-cooking rice varieties to reduce the overall cooking time.

Efficient chopping: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables for the soup.

Substitute Ingredients For Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
carrot - Substitute with parsnip: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor than carrots, adding a unique twist to the soup.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor than onions, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a hint of licorice flavor, which can complement the other ingredients in the soup.
garlic - Substitute with shallot: Shallots can provide a milder and sweeter flavor compared to garlic, adding a different depth to the soup.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative and still provide a flavorful base for the soup.
rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious and gluten-free alternative to rice, adding a nutty flavor and a slightly different texture to the soup.
salt - Substitute with tamari: Tamari, a type of soy sauce, can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the saltiness needed for the soup.
escarole - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for escarole, offering a hearty texture and a slightly different flavor profile to the soup.
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken in the soup.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can blend seamlessly into the soup without adding the specks of black color.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh and citrusy flavor, adding a unique twist to the soup.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and tangy flavor to parmesan, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.

Presentation Tips for Escarole Soup

Elevate the plating: When presenting the escarole soup with chicken and rice, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a delicate arrangement of freshly chopped parsley over the soup just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the dish.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, add a subtle drizzle of high-quality olive oil to the soup. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Use high-quality serving ware: Opt for elegant, high-quality serving ware to elevate the dining experience. Choose sophisticated, minimalist bowls that complement the rustic charm of the soup.
Consider the placement of the chicken: When adding the chicken to the soup, ensure that it is artfully arranged to create an inviting presentation. The chicken should be visible and positioned to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the dish.
Emphasize the balance of ingredients: Pay attention to the distribution of rice, escarole, and chicken in each serving. Strive for a harmonious balance of flavors and textures in every spoonful.
Create a refined ambiance: When presenting the dish, consider the overall ambiance of the dining environment. Soft lighting and understated table settings can enhance the experience of enjoying this comforting soup.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice

Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup and ensuring there is enough space for all the ingredients to simmer together.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is necessary for chopping the carrot, onion, celery, and garlic with precision and ease.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the vegetables and garlic without damaging your countertops.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the soup and ensuring even cooking of the ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients, such as rice and salt, is crucial for the success of the recipe.
Ladle: A ladle is essential for serving the soup into bowls without making a mess.
Grater: A grater is needed for grating the parmesan cheese to add a delicious finishing touch to the soup.
Soup bowls: Soup bowls are necessary for serving the finished escarole soup with chicken and rice.

Storing and Freezing Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice

Let the escarole soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the soup, place the container or bag in the freezer and store for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

How To Reheat Leftover Escarole Soup

Reheat the escarole soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures even heating and allows the flavors to meld together again.
If you have stored the rice separately from the soup, add it to the pot while reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy. This will also help the rice absorb some of the soup's flavors.
For a quicker reheating option, use the microwave. Transfer the desired portion of escarole soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat the soup in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches the desired temperature.
If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to thin it out and restore its original consistency.
To enhance the flavor of the reheated soup, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or some freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
If you have any leftover cooked chicken, shred it and add it to the soup while reheating for an extra protein boost and added texture.
For a crispy element, serve the reheated escarole soup with some toasted bread or croutons on top. This will add a pleasant contrast to the soft vegetables and tender chicken in the soup.

Interesting Fact About Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice

Escarole soup with chicken and rice is a classic Italian dish that is both hearty and nutritious. It is a popular comfort food in many households and is often enjoyed during the colder months. This soup is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy option for a meal. Additionally, the combination of chicken, rice, and escarole creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile that is sure to please the whole family. Whether you're looking for a warm and comforting meal or a nutritious and filling option, escarole soup with chicken and rice is a fantastic choice.

Is Making Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice Cost-Effective?

This escarole soup with chicken and rice recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken, rice, and escarole, are affordable and readily available. With a rating of 8/10, this hearty soup offers great value for its taste and nutritional benefits. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly and satisfying meal option.

Is Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice Healthy?

The escarole soup with chicken and rice recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. It contains a variety of vegetables, including carrots, onions, celery, and escarole, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The chicken adds lean protein to the soup, while the rice contributes complex carbohydrates for energy. The use of low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content, making it a healthier choice. Additionally, the olive oil used in the recipe is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this soup, consider the following suggestions:

Increase the variety of vegetables by adding diced zucchini, spinach, or kale to boost the fiber and nutrient content
Opt for brown rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the dish
Use skinless chicken breast to reduce the overall fat content
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves, to add flavor without increasing the sodium content
Serve the soup with a side salad or whole-grain bread to create a more complete and satisfying meal

Editor's Opinion on This Escarole Soup Recipe

The escarole soup with chicken and rice recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs creates a comforting and satisfying dish. The addition of parmesan and parsley adds a lovely depth of flavor, while the option to incorporate beaten eggs provides a luxurious touch. The wine recommendation showcases a thoughtful attention to detail, ensuring a harmonious pairing. Overall, this recipe offers a balanced and nourishing meal that is sure to please the palate.

Enhance Your Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for soaking up the flavorful escarole soup

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender honey glazed carrots, a delightful contrast to the savory chicken and rice in the soup

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Warm and fluffy garlic parmesan breadsticks, ideal for dipping into the rich and hearty escarole soup

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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and bake until golden and bubbly. These stuffed mushrooms are sure to impress your guests with their rich and flavorful filling.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: Whip up a classic Italian appetizer by topping slices of toasted baguette with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the bruschetta will tantalize your taste buds and set the stage for a delicious meal to come.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a decadent and velvety smooth chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The rich and creamy texture of the mousse will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender-crisp apples, a buttery oat crumble topping, and a hint of cinnamon. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. The use of escarole adds a pleasant bitterness, while the chicken provides a hearty and protein-rich element. The addition of rice brings a comforting and filling component to the dish. The incorporation of fresh parsley and parmesan adds a burst of freshness and savory richness. With the careful balance of ingredients and cooking techniques, this recipe promises a delicious and nourishing experience.

Have you tried this Escarole Soup with Chicken and Rice Recipe? Share your experience and any tweaks you made in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of greens instead of escarole?

Yes, you can substitute escarole with other leafy greens such as kale, spinach, or Swiss chard. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as different greens may require different cooking times.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! You can use brown rice instead of white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice may take longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly and add a little extra broth if needed.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the chicken. You can also add extra vegetables or beans for added protein and flavor.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding more broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.