Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth with rice that cooks directly in the soup, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying a cozy lunch, this soup will warm your heart and please your palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and herbs enhances the taste, making each spoonful a delight.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it ideal for leftovers or preparing ahead of time.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot
• Medium mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Provides even heat distribution, which is crucial for simmering soups without burning.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for seasoning the chicken evenly before cooking.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables, making preparation quick and easy.

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!

For the Soup Base

• 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

For Cooking Vegetables

• 3 Tbsp. butter, unsalted
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For Flavoring

• 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

For Thickening the Soup

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For Broth & Creaminess

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half

For Extra Flavor

• 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp. hot sauce

For Rice

• 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, place the diced chicken pieces. Add kosher salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes. Stir until all pieces are evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Season with kosher salt to taste. Sauté while stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces into the pot. Cook until they are no longer pink in color. Stir in fresh thyme and rosemary.

Step 4: Add Flour

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour over the mixture in your pot. Stir well to coat both vegetables and chicken.

Step 5: Combine Liquids

Slowly pour in the chicken broth along with half-and-half. Add soy sauce and hot sauce at this stage. Then introduce uncooked rice into your mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly.

Step 6: Simmer

Increase heat to medium-high until boiling occurs; then reduce to low heat to simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes or until rice is fully cooked. Stir frequently to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.

Step 7: Adjust Consistency

Since this soup cooks rice directly within it, expect some absorption of liquid. If needed, add more broth or water when reheating leftovers to achieve desired consistency.

Ladle your delicious Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup into bowls. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley before serving! Enjoy your comforting meal!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your dining experience, here are some serving suggestions that complement this delicious soup perfectly.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Use fresh parsley or thyme to sprinkle on top for an aromatic finish. This adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Pair the soup with slices of crusty bread or rolls. The bread is perfect for dipping and makes the meal more filling.

Add Cheese Toppings

• Shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese can enhance the creaminess. Just sprinkle it on right before serving for extra richness.

Offer a Side Salad

• A light green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup. Choose ingredients like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Provide Hot Sauce on the Side

• For those who enjoy a kick, offering hot sauce allows guests to customize their heat level. This can make the meal interactive and fun.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Achieving the perfect bowl of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is creamy and delicious every time.

• Use quality chicken broth: A good broth enhances flavor significantly. Opt for low-sodium versions if you wish to control salt levels.

• Don’t skip on sautéing vegetables: Properly sautéed onions, carrots, and celery add depth to your soup’s flavor profile.

• Monitor rice cooking time: Keep an eye on the rice as it cooks in the soup. Overcooking can lead to mushiness; you want it tender yet firm.

• Adjust consistency as needed: If your soup thickens too much after cooking, simply stir in additional broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

• Taste before serving: Always taste and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and hot sauce before ladling into bowls for optimal flavor.

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 delightful options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.

2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch from romaine lettuce and creaminess from Caesar dressing, balancing out the warm soup.

3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious touch while adding color to your plate.

4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with savory flavors of the soup; consider baking it fresh for extra warmth.

5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice provide hearty texture that complements the creamy soup.

6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as carrots or zucchini can add an earthy sweetness alongside the rich flavors of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken and vegetables properly can lead to bland soup. Always season at each step for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the rice: If you cook the rice too long, it may become mushy. Keep an eye on it and stir often to ensure it cooks just right.
• Ignoring broth quality: Using low-quality broth can affect the taste of your soup. Opt for a good quality chicken broth for richer flavors.
• Not adjusting consistency: The rice absorbs liquid, which may make the soup too thick over time. Always check consistency and add more broth or water as needed.
• Using cold ingredients: Adding cold broth or half-and-half can lower the cooking temperature. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before adding them in.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, adding extra broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust your cooking time accordingly.

How do I make this soup dairy-free?

Replace half-and-half with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative to keep it creamy without dairy.

What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I store leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a family favorite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a delightful comfort dish perfect for any occasion. This rich, hearty soup features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy broth, with rice cooking directly in the pot to enhance its flavor and texture. Ideal for cozy dinners or satisfying lunches, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your tastes. Warm your heart and fill your belly with every spoonful of this nourishing soup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 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
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Season diced chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes.
2. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
3. Add seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until it’s no longer pink.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.
5. Gradually pour in chicken broth and half-and-half; add soy sauce and hot sauce along with uncooked rice.
6. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked.
7. Adjust consistency as needed by adding broth or water when reheating leftovers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 315
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 660mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 90mg