Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy goodness in every bowl. This soup is perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with family and friends. With its rich flavor and simple preparation, it’s destined to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup comes together in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful Comfort: Packed with herbs and spices, this soup has a rich flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using leftover chicken, ensuring it suits your taste perfectly.
- One-Pot Wonder: All ingredients cook in one pot, saving you time on cleanup while maximizing flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week—just add a little extra broth when reheating!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools will make preparing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup easier. Here are some essential items to have on hand.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large soup pot
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large soup pot: This tool provides even heat distribution, ensuring that your soup cooks uniformly.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for seasoning the chicken before cooking, allowing flavors to meld effectively.
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 kosher salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Melt the unsalted butter then add in the diced onion, 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 another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces into the pot. Cook until there is no pink remaining in the meat. Stir in chopped thyme and rosemary for added flavor.
Step 4: Create the Base
Sprinkle flour over the mixture in your pot; stir well to coat both vegetables and chicken pieces evenly.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Slowly pour in chicken broth along with half & half, soy sauce, hot sauce, and finally add uncooked rice into the mix. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Step 6: Simmer
Increase heat to medium-high to bring it all to a boil then reduce back down to low heat for simmering until rice is cooked through (about 15–20 minutes). Remember to stir frequently so that nothing sticks!
Step 7: Finish Up
Check seasoning; adjust if needed with more hot sauce or salt and pepper according to taste preferences. Ladle into bowls garnished 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 looking for a simple meal or a more elaborate dining experience, there are numerous serving suggestions to enhance your soup.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh flavor.
- Thyme: A few sprigs of thyme can elevate the aroma and taste of your soup.
- Chives: Chopped chives offer a mild onion flavor that complements the creaminess.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough: The tangy flavor of sourdough bread pairs perfectly with creamy soup.
- French Baguette: A warm baguette is great for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Adds an extra layer of flavor and richness alongside your soup.
Serve with a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing provide a nice contrast.
- Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens and veggies can lighten up the meal.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture to the creamy soup.
Add Some Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Shaving some fresh Parmesan on top enhances the dish’s richness.
- Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar adds an extra flavor kick.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
To ensure your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly.
- Don’t Rush Cooking Time: Allowing the rice to cook thoroughly ensures it absorbs all the flavors.
- Adjust Consistency as Needed: If the soup thickens too much, add extra broth or water when reheating leftovers.
- Season Gradually: Taste frequently and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Pairing sides with Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of the soup well.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with grains, meats, or vegetables for a hearty side dish.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a satisfying crunch alongside your creamy soup.
- Cheese Toasts: Topped with melted cheese, these bites add comfort to each spoonful of soup.
- Pickled Vegetables: The acidity from pickles cuts through the creaminess, adding balance to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your chicken properly can result in bland soup. Always season the chicken before cooking for the best flavor.
- Overcooking the rice: Cooking the rice too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on the simmering time to ensure perfectly cooked rice.
- Using cold broth: Adding cold broth can lower the temperature of the soup. Always use warm or hot broth to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
- Neglecting to stir: Failing to stir frequently can cause the rice to stick to the bottom of the pot. Stir often to prevent this and keep your soup evenly cooked.
- Not adjusting thickness: If your soup is too thick after cooling, you might not have added enough liquid during cooking. Always adjust with additional broth or water when reheating.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.
Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add extra broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.
Can I use leftover chicken for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
Yes! Using leftover chicken is a great way to save time. Just add it towards the end of cooking so it warms through without overcooking.
What type of rice works best in this recipe?
Long grain white rice is ideal as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. Avoid using quick-cooking rice as it may become mushy.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute half-and-half with coconut milk or any dairy-free cream alternative for a creamy texture without dairy.
How do I make my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add more flour or let it simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm, hearty meal perfect for any occasion!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings. This wholesome dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy broth, creating a rich and satisfying meal in just under an hour.
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, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes.
- In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat; sauté onion, carrots, celery for about 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and stir for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add seasoned chicken to the pot; cook until no longer pink. Stir in thyme and rosemary.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir to coat.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and half-and-half; add rice and combine thoroughly.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is cooked through. Stir frequently.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary; serve garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
