Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or a comforting lunch, this soup features tender chicken, fresh veggies, and rice simmered in a rich, creamy broth. Its standout quality lies in the way the rice absorbs the flavors of the soup as it cooks, creating a deliciously hearty meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This soup comes together quickly with straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices enhances the savory taste of chicken and vegetables, resulting in a comforting dish.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from veggies, this soup is a healthy choice for any meal.
• Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal. Great for leftovers too!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences!

Tools and Preparation

To make this creamy chicken and rice soup efficiently, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right tools will streamline your cooking process and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for cooking soups evenly without burning; its heavy bottom retains heat well.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for seasoning chicken and combining ingredients before cooking; helps keep your workspace organized.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables; makes prep faster and safer.

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. unsalted butter

Vegetables

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

Herbs & Seasoning

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

Thickening Agents & Broth

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp. hot sauce

Final Touches

• 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
• salt and pepper, to taste
• garnish: shaved 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 the chicken evenly. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces into the pot. Cook while stirring until the chicken is no longer pink inside. Then stir in fresh thyme and rosemary to infuse flavor into the mixture.

Step 4: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle in all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and chicken. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly 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 long-grain white rice to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high until it reaches a boil.

Step 6: Simmer & Serve

Reduce heat back down to low so that it simmers gently for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked through. Stir frequently to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot. Taste your soup! Adjust seasoning with more hot sauce or salt as needed.

Ladle your delicious creamy chicken and rice soup into bowls! Garnish with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and chopped parsley before serving warm! Enjoy your comforting meal!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Serving Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can enhance your dining experience. The warm, comforting flavors of this dish pair well with various accompaniments that elevate the meal.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A fresh baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor complements the richness of the soup beautifully.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a nice contrast.
• Mixed Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the rich soup.

Top with Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise.
• Shredded Cheese: Adding a handful of shredded cheese on top gives extra creaminess.

Serve in Bread Bowls

• Edible Bowls: Using hollowed-out bread loaves to serve the soup makes for an interactive meal and reduces dishwashing!

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

To make your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup even better, follow these helpful tips. These will ensure a deliciously creamy texture and rich flavor every time you prepare it.

• Bold Seasoning: Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for a more vibrant flavor profile.
• Proper Cooking Time: Allow the rice to cook thoroughly by keeping an eye on simmering time for perfect texture.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens too much, stir in additional broth or water slowly until desired consistency is reached.
• Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality chicken broth and fresh vegetables for maximum flavor.
• Reheating Tips: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the soup as needed.
• Personal Touches: Experiment with adding other vegetables or proteins to customize based on your preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Complementing your soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic make an excellent pairing.
2. Steamed Green Beans: Fresh green beans add color and crunch alongside the smooth soup.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful sweet contrast to the savory soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional nutrition and flavor diversity to your meal.
5. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese pair perfectly for soaking up every drop of soup.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and texture without overwhelming the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, there are a few common mistakes you might encounter. Avoiding these will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.

• Skipping seasoning: Many people forget to season their chicken adequately. Always season your chicken with salt and spices before cooking to ensure it absorbs flavor.
• Not sautéing vegetables enough: If you don’t sauté the vegetables long enough, they may not develop the rich flavors that form the base of your soup. Cook them until they’re softened and fragrant.
• Adding rice too late: Adding uncooked rice at the wrong time can result in either undercooked or mushy rice. Stir it into the broth when it reaches a simmer for perfect texture.
• Ignoring broth quality: Using low-quality or bland chicken broth can ruin your soup. Always opt for a flavorful broth; homemade is best if you have time.
• Overcooking the soup: Simmering for too long can lead to overcooked rice and mushy vegetables. Monitor cooking times closely for the best results.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping garnishes can make your dish less appealing. Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese add flavor and visual appeal.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating for best results.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring frequently until heated; add extra broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish made with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy broth combined with rice that cooks right in the pot.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use brown rice instead of white rice or substitute half-and-half with low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative for a lighter version.

Can I customize Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or spinach, or switch up herbs according to your taste preferences.

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

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is an incredibly versatile dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its rich flavors and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies or spices to make this recipe truly your own!

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