Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy broth, it warms you inside and out. This soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The rice cooks right in the soup, creating a rich texture that makes every spoonful satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this soup ready in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of herbs and spices ensures each bite bursts with flavor.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables or add more spices to suit your taste.
• Hearty & Filling: Rice adds body to the soup, making it a complete meal on its own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Tools and Preparation

To make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Medium mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.

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
• 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 the Broth

• 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

For Garnish

• Parmesan cheese, black pepper, fresh parsley

this recipe

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 the chicken evenly with the spices.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the butter before adding in the 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 stir for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

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

Step 4: Add Flour

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour over the chicken and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly with flour.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Slowly pour in the chicken broth along with half-and-half, soy sauce, and hot sauce while stirring continuously. Incorporate uncooked long-grain white rice into the mix.

Step 6: Simmer

Increase heat to medium-high until boiling occurs; then reduce heat back down to low for simmering. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and soup thickens—stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Adjust Consistency

Since this soup cooks rice directly within it, expect some broth absorption as rice cooks through; you can add more broth or water if necessary for desired consistency when reheating leftovers.

Step 8: Serve

Taste your creation! Adjust seasoning by adding more hot sauce or salt if needed before ladling generous portions into bowls. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley before serving up this delightful Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your soup experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Slice and serve warm to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the creamy soup perfectly.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and Parmesan cheese add a refreshing contrast.
• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers brings freshness to your meal.

Garnish Creatively

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra parsley or thyme on top for added flavor.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of citrus brightens the creamy soup beautifully.

Serve in Individual Bowls

• Personal Touch: Use small bowls for individual servings; perfect for an intimate gathering.
• Variety: Offer different garnishes at each place setting for customization.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

To achieve the best version of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, consider these helpful tips. Each step enhances flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs boost flavor significantly compared to dried options.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go; this allows you to find the perfect balance of flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• Cook Rice Separately (Optional): If you prefer firmer rice, cook it separately and stir it in just before serving.
• Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to maintain creaminess without thickening too much.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

A well-rounded meal includes delightful side dishes that complement your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes blend wonderfully with the soup’s texture.
2. Steamed Broccoli: This adds color and nutritional value while providing a slight crunch.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread pairs nicely with the richness of the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: A hearty option filled with rice, veggies, and cheese that echoes the flavors of the soup.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their crispy exterior offers a pleasant contrast to the creamy soup.
6. Cheesy Quesadillas: Quick to prepare, these provide a cheesy bite that’s satisfying alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a delightful dish, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken before cooking can lead to bland soup. Always season your chicken well so it enhances the overall flavor.
• Overcooking the rice: Cooking the rice for too long will make it mushy. Keep an eye on the soup while it simmers and check the rice after 15 minutes.
• Not stirring frequently: Failing to stir the soup regularly can cause the rice to stick to the bottom of the pot. Stir often to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Using low-quality broth: Using a poor-quality chicken broth can negatively affect taste. Choose a good quality broth or homemade stock for added flavor.
• Ignoring leftovers storage: Not storing leftovers properly can lead to spoilage. Make sure to follow storage guidelines to keep your soup fresh.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• The soup is best consumed within 3-4 days when refrigerated.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently and heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup gluten-free?

You can make this soup gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and ensuring your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Can I use brown rice in Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

How do I add more vegetables to this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

What should I serve with Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Can I customize the flavors in my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different herbs or spices based on your preference for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different veggies or adjusting seasonings according to your taste. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, so give it a try!

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Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or busy weekdays. This hearty soup features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. The rice cooks directly in the soup, creating a satisfying texture with every spoonful. Easy to prepare, this dish is ideal for families or meal prep enthusiasts looking for a fulfilling meal. With customizable flavors and ingredients, you can tailor it to suit your tastes. Enjoy it with warm bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 3 large carrots
• 3 stalks celery
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary
• 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
• salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for garnish
• black pepper for garnish
• fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, season diced chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes.
2. Sauté onions, carrots, celery in melted butter until softened; add minced garlic.
3. Add seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.
5. Gradually add chicken broth and half-and-half; stir in uncooked rice.
6. Bring to a boil then simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
7. Adjust consistency if needed with additional broth; serve garnished with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with cornstarch. Feel free to add vegetables like peas or corn during cooking for added nutrition.