Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect dish for cozy evenings or family gatherings. This comforting soup is rich and hearty, featuring tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and creamy broth. One of its standout qualities is that the rice cooks right in the soup, making it thick and satisfying. Enjoy it on chilly nights or serve it as a delicious starter for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is great for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of herbs and spices elevates the taste, ensuring every spoonful is packed with flavor.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or paired with a salad or bread for a complete meal.
• Comforting Texture: The creamy broth combined with soft rice creates a rich, satisfying texture that’s hard to resist.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Tools and Preparation

Making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup requires some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Provides even heat distribution for cooking the soup thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware, plus it’s sturdy enough to mix ingredients well.

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 salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes; stir to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pot, then add in the onions, carrots, and celery. Season with kosher salt to taste. Sauté while stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces into the pot; cook until no longer pink inside (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in fresh thyme and rosemary once cooked through.

Step 4: Thicken Base

Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir until all ingredients are coated evenly with flour.

Step 5: Add Liquids

Slowly pour in chicken broth, half-and-half, soy sauce, and hot sauce while stirring continuously. Add uncooked rice into the mixture at this stage as well.

Step 6: Simmer Soup

Increase heat to medium-high to bring soup to a boil; then lower heat back down to low so it simmers gently. Cook until rice is tender (about 15–20 minutes), stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste your soup; adjust seasoning with more hot sauce, salt, or pepper if needed before serving. Ladle soup into bowls; garnish individual servings with shaved Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and fresh parsley before enjoying!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Serving Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can elevate your dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these suggestions will make your soup even more enjoyable.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve warm, sliced baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch that pairs well with the creamy soup.

Topped with Herbs and Cheese

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
• Shaved Parmesan: Add a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

As Part of a Meal

• Green Salad: A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the hearty soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Perfecting your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup ensures every bowl is delightful. Here are some tips to help you achieve that creamy consistency and rich flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the rice; overcooking can lead to mushiness. Aim for al dente texture.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens too much, add more chicken broth or water when reheating.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go; adjust seasoning gradually for optimal flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Pairing side dishes with your creamy chicken and rice soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic salad that offers crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside the soup.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice make a nutritious addition.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet, moist cornbread muffins are perfect for dipping into the soup.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil brings freshness and brightness.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your chicken and vegetables properly can lead to bland soup. Always use kosher salt and spices for flavor.
• Overcooking the rice: Cooking the rice too long will make it mushy. Monitor the soup closely during the final simmer to achieve the perfect texture.
• Not stirring frequently: If you don’t stir often, the rice may stick to the bottom of your pot. Stir regularly to prevent this from happening.
• Using cold broth: Adding cold broth to your hot ingredients can slow down cooking. Warm your broth before adding it for a smoother cooking process.
• Ignoring leftovers: Letting leftover soup sit too long can affect its taste and texture. Store it in airtight containers promptly after cooling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It can last 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 in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How can I make my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup thicker?

You can make your soup thicker by adding more rice or letting it simmer longer to reduce liquid.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. Adjust your cooking time accordingly.

What vegetables can I add to Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Feel free to add any vegetables you like such as peas, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I store leftovers of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it with different veggies or spices based on your preference. Try making it today for a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out!

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Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This rich and hearty soup features tender, seasoned chicken simmered with colorful vegetables and creamy broth, all while the rice cooks right in the pot, creating a thick and satisfying meal. Its delightful blend of herbs elevates each spoonful, making it an irresistible choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy this soup as a standalone feast or pair it with a fresh salad or warm bread for a complete dining experience.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ 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: Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes.
2. In a large Dutch oven, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery in melted butter until softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat evenly.
5. Gradually pour in chicken broth, half-and-half, soy sauce, hot sauce, and add uncooked rice.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until rice is tender.
7. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving; garnish with parsley.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 85mg