LUNCH-BOX CHICKEN SOUP

Lunch-Box Chicken Soup image

A friend gave me this recipe, and I tweaked a few things to make it healthier. It's so delicious and quite easy to make! I use it for family gatherings, church functions, care packages...just about anything. For shortcuts, I sometimes replace the celery and carrots with 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables. The prepackaged rice saves time, too, so you can have the soup ready and waiting even when the kids are busy with activities. -Jean Ann Fairchild, Shelby, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 carton (32 ounces) chicken broth
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 package (8.8 ounces) ready-to-serve roasted chicken-flavored rice
2 cups fat-free half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add vegetables; cook and stir until carrots are crisp-tender., In a bowl, whisk flour and broth until smooth; stir into pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 5-6 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; heat through, stirring occasionally (do not allow to boil).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 224 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 741mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 15g protein.