Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth with rice that cooks right in the pot, creating a rich and hearty meal. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also versatile enough to serve on any occasion, from cozy weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices enhances the taste of the chicken and vegetables, making each spoonful a delight.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this soup can be prepared quickly, making it a great option for busy nights.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the veggies or add extra spices to suit your palate or what you have on hand.
- Comforting Meal: This creamy soup is warm and filling, ideal for warming up on cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Perfect Leftovers: The soup thickens beautifully as it sits, making leftovers just as good—if not better—than the first serving.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning them at the bottom.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for seasoning chicken before adding it to the pot, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements to achieve the best flavor profile in your soup.
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: Prepare 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 all pieces evenly with the seasonings.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pot. Once melted, add in the diced onions, carrots, and celery along with some kosher salt to taste. Sauté while stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until they soften. Add minced garlic last; stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are no longer pink inside (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in chopped thyme and rosemary to infuse flavors into the mixture.
Step 4: Add Flour
Sprinkle in the flour evenly over the vegetables and chicken mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is coated with flour.
Step 5: Combine Broth & Rice
Slowly pour in chicken broth along with half-and-half, soy sauce, and hot sauce while stirring continuously. Then add uncooked rice into the mixture; stir again until combined.
Step 6: Simmer Soup
Increase heat to medium-high to bring everything to a boil; once boiling occurs, reduce heat back down to low for simmering. Let it cook for approximately 15–20 minutes or until rice is tender while stirring frequently so nothing sticks at the bottom.
Step 7: Final Touches
Taste your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup! Adjust seasoning by adding more hot sauce if desired along with salt or pepper according to preference. Ladle into bowls; garnish each serving with shaved Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and freshly chopped parsley before enjoying!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette complements the creamy soup perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds flavor and crunch to each bite.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the soup’s flavor.
- Thyme Leaves: Adding a few thyme leaves enhances the aromatic quality of the soup.
With Grated Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Shaving fresh Parmesan on top adds richness and depth.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar creates a gooey texture that pairs wonderfully with creamy soup.
As Part of a Meal
- Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables for extra nutrition and flavors.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
To achieve the best version of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Chicken Broth: A good broth enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Add Veggies Early: Cooking your vegetables first ensures they are tender and flavorful.
- Adjust Thickness Wisely: If too thick, add extra broth or water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go; it’s easier to add more seasoning than to fix over-seasoned soup.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing blends beautifully with the creaminess of the soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to savory flavors.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make a nutritious addition.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer an extra comforting side dish option.
- Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers add crunch and freshness.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad brings a refreshing element alongside hot soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can greatly enhance your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup experience.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough. Ensure you only cook until no longer pink.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Skipping salt and spices can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Adding Too Much Rice: Using too much rice can thicken the soup excessively. Stick to the recommended amount for perfect consistency.
- Skipping the Broth Gradually: Pouring in the broth all at once can cause clumping. Add it slowly while stirring for a smoother texture.
- Not Using Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs lack the freshness of their fresh counterparts. Opt for fresh thyme and rosemary for more flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring often until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.
What makes Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup so comforting?
The combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, and hearty rice creates a warm dish ideal for cozy meals.
Can I customize my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute chicken with turkey.
How do I make my soup thicker?
To thicken your soup without adding more rice, try blending a portion of it and mixing it back into the pot.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is perfect for meal prep; just store it properly as mentioned above.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook, which may affect the soup’s cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily modify ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a bowl of warmth that brings joy to every meal!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings. This hearty dish features tender pieces of chicken simmered with fresh vegetables and rice, all enveloped in a rich and creamy broth that warms the soul. Easy to make and customizable, this soup is ideal for busy weeknights or festive occasions alike. Each spoonful delivers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a beloved recipe that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 large carrots
- 3 stalks celery
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- Fresh thyme and rosemary
- 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
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp hot sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: Parmesan cheese, black pepper, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes in a mixing bowl.
- In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add chicken broth, half-and-half, soy sauce, hot sauce, and uncooked rice while stirring.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Adjust seasoning if needed before serving with garnishes of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups or 360g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
