Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends and family. This soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rice in a rich, creamy broth that warms you up from the inside out. Each spoonful is packed with flavor, making it a delightful choice for any occasion, whether you’re serving it on a chilly day or as an easy dinner option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of half and half and chicken broth creates a luscious texture that enhances every bite.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields 10 servings, ideal for meal prep or family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in preparing this delicious soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution and ample space for cooking all ingredients together.
- Sharp knife: Ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables and chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantee precise ingredient amounts for consistent results.
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: 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. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Melt the unsalted butter in the pot. Add in the diced onions, carrots, and celery along with salt to taste. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until they are no longer pink in color, which will take about 5 minutes. Stir in the fresh thyme and rosemary once cooked through.
Step 4: Thicken with Flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together to coat well.
Step 5: Add Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth alongside half & half, soy sauce, and hot sauce while stirring continuously. Add in the uncooked rice at this stage as well.
Step 6: Simmer
Increase heat to medium-high to bring everything to a boil before reducing it back down to low heat for simmering. Let cook for approximately 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently so that rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Final Touches
Taste your creamy chicken soup; adjust seasoning with more hot sauce or salt as desired! Ladle soup into bowls when ready to serve; garnish each bowl with shaved Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and freshly chopped parsley for added flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, perfect for sharing or saving leftovers for later!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Serving Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can elevate your meal experience. Whether for a cozy dinner or a gathering, here are some delightful ways to enjoy this creamy soup.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich broth. The contrast of textures enhances the overall experience.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve with a Side Salad
- A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the creaminess of the soup, offering a refreshing contrast.
Top with Cheese
- Adding grated Parmesan or crumbled feta gives an extra layer of richness and complements the flavors beautifully.
Include Hot Sauce on the Side
- For those who like a kick, serving hot sauce on the side allows everyone to customize their spice level.
Offer Crackers or Toasted Nuts
- Crunchy toppings like seasoned crackers or toasted nuts add texture and make the soup even more satisfying.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
To ensure your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust thickness: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cook rice separately: For more control over rice texture, consider cooking it separately and adding it to each bowl when serving.
- Season well: Taste frequently as you cook; adjusting salt, pepper, and spices will bring out the best flavors.
- Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container. It can last up to three days in the fridge.
- Reheat gently: When reheating, do so on low heat to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Complementing your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup with side dishes can elevate your meal even further. Here are some great options:
-
Garlic Bread
A deliciously buttery garlic bread pairs well with the creamy soup, perfect for soaking up every drop. -
Caesar Salad
This classic salad adds crisp greens and savory flavors that balance out the richness of the soup. -
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Their crispy edges and slightly nutty flavor make roasted Brussels sprouts a fantastic addition alongside the soup. -
Cornbread Muffins
These sweet muffins offer a delightful contrast to savory flavors, making them an excellent choice for this meal. -
Stuffed Mushrooms
Filled with cheese and herbs, these bite-sized treats add a gourmet twist that complements your creamy dish nicely. -
Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity that help cut through the richness of the soup for balanced bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Improving your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can be easy when you know what common mistakes to avoid. Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken before cooking can lead to bland soup. Always season your chicken well to enhance flavor.
- Overcooking the rice: Cooking the rice for too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently to ensure perfect texture.
- Neglecting fresh herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh ones can diminish the soup’s flavor. Fresh thyme and rosemary add a vibrant taste that dried herbs cannot match.
- Ignoring the broth quality: Using low-quality broth can affect the overall taste. Choose a good-quality chicken broth for a rich and flavorful base.
- Not adjusting consistency: The soup may thicken as it sits due to rice absorption. Add extra broth or water when reheating if needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the 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 in containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup so comforting?
The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and hearty rice creates a warm, satisfying meal perfect for any day.
Can I customize my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas or corn, or use different herbs based on your preference.
How do I store leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust cooking times as brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust spices according to your taste. This recipe promises warmth and comfort, making it a perfect choice for any meal occasion. Give it a try!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 people 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table with every spoonful. This rich, creamy dish features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty rice simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this one-pot wonder is easy to make and serves up to 10 people—ideal for meal prep or family feasts. Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that will leave you feeling cozy and content.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 large carrots
- 3 stalks celery
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- Fresh thyme and rosemary
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, season diced chicken with kosher salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes.
- In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter and sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened; add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink (about 5 minutes). Stir in fresh herbs.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir to combine well.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and half-and-half while stirring; add uncooked rice.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Adjust seasoning if needed before serving; garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
