Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a delightful dish that warms you from the inside out. This comforting soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this recipe stands out by allowing the rice to cook directly in the soup, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs, spices, and cream creates a deeply satisfying taste.
- Versatile Dish: It can be enjoyed as a main course or served with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- One-Pot Wonder: With all ingredients cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe serves up to 10 people.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Gather these items before you start cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large soup pot
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large soup pot: Provides even heat distribution and ample space for cooking all the ingredients together.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for seasoning the chicken evenly before adding it to the pot.
- Chef’s knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables for consistent cooking.
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!
Ingredients:
– 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: Season 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 well 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. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery along with kosher salt to taste. Sauté while stirring occasionally for 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until no longer pink. Stir in fresh thyme and rosemary once chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Thicken with Flour
Sprinkle flour over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly with flour.
Step 5: Create Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth along with half & half. Add soy sauce and hot sauce next. Stir well before adding uncooked rice.
Step 6: Simmer
Increase heat to medium-high until boiling occurs. Once boiling begins, reduce heat to low to let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and soup thickens. Stir frequently to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Final Touches
Taste your soup! Adjust flavors by adding more hot sauce or salt if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious 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 cozying up on the couch or hosting friends, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough – The tanginess of sourdough complements the creamy soup perfectly.
- French Baguette – A warm baguette can be sliced for dipping into the rich broth.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Sprinkling fresh parsley adds a burst of color and flavor.
- Thyme Leaves – A few thyme leaves can elevate the aroma of your soup.
Serve with Salad
- Caesar Salad – The crunch of romaine and creaminess of Caesar dressing pairs well with the soup.
- Garden Salad – A simple garden salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
Top with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese – Shaved Parmesan adds a nutty flavor and richness.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melted cheddar can create an indulgent topping that enhances every bite.
Use Bowls for Individual Servings
- Soufflé Dishes – For a charming presentation, serve individual portions in soufflé dishes.
- Mason Jars – Great for casual gatherings, mason jars make for fun, rustic servings.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
To ensure your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Chicken Broth – A rich broth enhances the soup’s flavor significantly.
- Adjust Consistency – If the soup thickens too much, add more broth or water while reheating.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter – Using fresh herbs and vegetables will elevate the taste.
- Stir Frequently – This prevents rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot while cooking.
- Taste Before Serving – Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving helps flavors meld.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Complement your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup with these delightful side dishes. Each option adds a unique touch to your meal.
- Garlic Bread – Easy to make and perfect for dipping into creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil provide a healthy side option.
- Stuffed Peppers – Colorful peppers stuffed with grains or meats offer a hearty addition.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins are a comforting pairing with any soup.
- Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balance to the richness of the soup.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Under-seasoning the soup: Always taste your soup as it cooks. If it lacks flavor, add more salt or spices.
- Using cold chicken: Make sure your chicken is at room temperature before adding it to the pot. This helps it cook evenly.
- Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing vegetables first brings out their flavors. Don’t rush this step!
- Not stirring often enough: Rice can stick to the bottom of the pot. Stir frequently while simmering.
- Overcooking the rice: Keep an eye on the rice; if overcooked, it can become mushy. Aim for a tender yet firm texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, at medium power until warm, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this soup healthier?
You can use low-fat half-and-half or substitute with unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
What vegetables can I add to Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
Feel free to add peas, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition and color. They should be added towards the end of cooking to maintain their texture.
How do I thicken my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
If your soup is too thin, try simmering it uncovered for a bit longer or adding a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Just store properly as mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is comforting and versatile. It’s perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste. Try making this delightful recipe today!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or cozy gatherings. This rich and creamy soup features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice all simmered in a flavorful broth. The best part? The rice cooks directly in the soup, infusing it with an extra layer of deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 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, 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
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and spices; set aside.
- In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in butter until softened. Add garlic.
- Cook seasoned chicken until no longer pink; stir in herbs.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir to coat.
- Gradually add chicken broth and half & half; mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer with uncooked rice for about 15-20 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning before serving; garnish with cheese and parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
