Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that warms you up on chilly days. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rice in a rich and creamy broth. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, it’s a versatile choice that fits various occasions. The standout quality of this recipe is how the rice cooks directly in the soup, enhancing its flavor and giving it a luscious texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this soup in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs, spices, and creamy broth creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from veggies, this soup is nourishing as well as satisfying.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it with a salad or bread for a full meal. It also makes great leftovers!
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot: This tool ensures even heat distribution for simmering the soup perfectly.
- Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for seasoning the chicken without making a mess.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables efficiently.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
Ingredients
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup made with chicken, veggies, rice, and a creamy broth. The rice cooks right in the soup giving it body & richness!
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp. mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 1/4 tsp. chili flakes
- 3 Tbsp. butter, unsalted
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. hot sauce
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- salt and pepper, to taste
- garnish: Parmesan cheese, black pepper, fresh parsley
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Place the diced chicken pieces in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the kosher salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the unsalted butter in the pot, then add in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Season with kosher salt to taste. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot and cook until no longer pink inside—about 5 minutes. Stir in chopped thyme and rosemary for added flavor.
Step 4: Thicken with Flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture in the pot. Stir well to coat both the vegetables and chicken pieces with flour evenly.
Step 5: Combine Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth along with half-and-half, soy sauce, and hot sauce while stirring continuously to combine everything smoothly.
Step 6: Add Rice
Add uncooked long-grain white rice into the mixture once it’s combined well. Increase heat to medium-high to bring it to a boil before lowering back down to low heat to simmer for about 15–20 minutes until rice is cooked through.
Step 7: Adjust Consistency
Since this soup is made with rice cooked directly in it, expect some thickening due to starch release as it cooks! If you find it’s too thick when reheating leftovers, feel free to add more broth or water as needed.
Step 8: Serve
Taste your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup before serving! Adjust seasoning by adding more hot sauce if desired along with extra salt or pepper as needed according to your taste preferences. Ladle into bowls and garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and fresh parsley before enjoying!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a simple meal or want to impress your guests, here are some delicious serving suggestions.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A sliced baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
- Garlic Bread: Add a flavorful twist with garlic butter spread on toasted bread.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions for a burst of flavor and color.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Add a crunchy texture with crispy bacon pieces sprinkled on top.
Make it a Meal
- Side Salad: A light garden salad pairs well to balance the richness of the soup.
- Cheesy Quesadilla: Serve alongside a cheese quesadilla for an extra cheesy experience.
Add Extra Garnishes
- Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor with fresh parsley or thyme as a garnish.
- Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of lemon can brighten up the flavors of the soup wonderfully.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
To ensure your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors and nutrition of your soup.
- Cook Rice Separately if Needed: If you prefer less thick soup, cooking rice separately prevents it from absorbing too much broth.
- Stir Frequently: Regular stirring while simmering helps prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust Consistency: Feel free to add more broth or water when reheating leftovers for desired consistency.
- Experiment with Spices: Adjust spices according to your taste; adding more chili flakes can spice things up!
- Let it Sit Before Serving: Allowing the soup to sit covered for a few minutes enhances all the flavors before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Serving side dishes alongside your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrients to your plate.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the flavors while providing crunch.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are great for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers make a filling option that pairs beautifully with soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a satisfying crunch alongside your creamy dish.
- Herbed Focaccia Bread: This soft, flavorful bread makes an excellent accompaniment to any soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, certain pitfalls can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken and vegetables enough can lead to bland soup. Always taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
- Overcooking the rice: If you cook the rice too long, it may become mushy. Keep an eye on it during simmering to ensure it retains a nice texture.
- Ignoring the broth quality: Using low-quality chicken broth can diminish the soup’s flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for the best results.
- Not stirring frequently: Failing to stir the soup regularly can cause the rice to stick to the bottom of the pot. Stir often while simmering to prevent this issue.
- Neglecting garnishes: Skipping garnishes like Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley can make your soup less appealing. A simple garnish adds flavor and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers since liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish, covering with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add extra broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.
Can I use different types of chicken?
Yes! You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option.
How can I customize Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What should I serve with Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly night or want to impress guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy cravings for warmth and flavor. Give it a try today!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is your go-to comfort food for chilly evenings. This heartwarming dish features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice simmered in a rich, creamy broth that will warm your soul. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this soup is not only satisfying but also versatile. The secret lies in cooking the rice directly in the soup, allowing it to absorb all those delicious flavors and creating a luscious texture that everyone will love. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that delights both kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp hot sauce
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- salt and pepper, to taste
- garnish: Parmesan cheese, black pepper, fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a bowl, season diced chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, celery until softened; add garlic.
- Add seasoned chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, half-and-half, soy sauce, and hot sauce; mix until combined.
- Stir in uncooked rice and bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
