Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth with rice that cooks right in the pot. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a family dinner, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Enjoy the rich flavors that come together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Soup Base
• Vegetables
• Herbs & Spices
• Other Ingredients
• Garnishes
• How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
• Step 1: Season the Chicken
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Cook Chicken
• Step 4: Thicken with Flour
• Step 5: Combine Broth & Rice
• Step 6: Simmer Until Done
• Step 7: Final Adjustments
• How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
• With Crusty Bread
• Topped with Fresh Herbs
• Accompanied by Salad
• With a Side of Crackers
• As Part of a Cozy Dinner Spread
• How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
• Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
• What type of rice works best?
• Can I make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup gluten-free?
• How can I customize this soup?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: The combination of chicken and rice creates a satisfying meal that keeps you full for hours.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot—less time washing dishes means more time enjoying your meal.
• Flavorful Ingredients: With herbs like thyme and rosemary, this soup bursts with flavor that enhances every spoonful.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
• Great for Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, make sure you have all the necessary tools ready. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: This tool provides even heat distribution, essential for cooking soups evenly without scorching.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping ingredients quick and safe, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Ladle: Using a ladle allows you to serve soup easily without spills!

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

Vegetables

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

Herbs & Spices

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

Other Ingredients

• 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

Garnishes

• 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. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside to marinate while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Next, add the seasoned chicken pieces to your pot. Cook until they are no longer pink in color. Stir in freshly chopped thyme and rosemary for added flavor.

Step 4: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle flour over the cooked chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly; this will help thicken your soup later.

Step 5: Combine Broth & Rice

Slowly pour in the chicken broth along with half & half. Add soy sauce and hot sauce at this stage too. Then mix in uncooked long-grain white rice thoroughly.

Step 6: Simmer Until Done

Increase heat to medium-high until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat back down to low for simmering. Allow it to cook until rice becomes tender (about 15-20 minutes). Remember to stir frequently so rice doesn’t stick at the bottom of your pot.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

Taste your creamy chicken and rice soup before serving! Adjust seasonings with more hot sauce or salt if needed. When ready to serve, ladle soup into bowls garnished with shaved Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and fresh parsley on top.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish perfect for any meal. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or alongside other dishes, there are plenty of ways to serve it.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread – The tanginess of sourdough complements the creamy soup perfectly.
• Garlic Bread – Add a pop of flavor with buttery, garlicky goodness.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley – Sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh touch and color.
• Thyme – A few leaves bring out the herbal notes of the soup.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine and creamy dressing pair well with the richness of the soup.
• Garden Salad – A light salad with mixed greens balances the meal.

With a Side of Crackers

• Saltine Crackers – A classic choice that adds a nice crunch to each spoonful.
• Cheese Crackers – Enhance the flavor profile with cheesy crackers.

As Part of a Cozy Dinner Spread

• Cheese Platter – Offer a selection of cheeses to enjoy before or after the soup.
• Fruit Bowl – Fresh fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

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How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

To ensure your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup turns out delicious every time, here are some helpful tips.

• Seasoning – Be generous with your spices; they enhance the flavors significantly.
• Quality Chicken Broth – Use homemade or high-quality broth for richer taste.
• Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for better flavor and texture.
• Stir Frequently – Stirring prevents rice from sticking and ensures even cooking throughout.
• Adjust Consistency – Feel free to add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup or if reheating leftovers.
• Experiment with Toppings – Try adding different cheeses or hot sauces to customize each bowl.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes add heartiness to your dinner table.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide a sweet contrast.
3. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
4. Baked Potato Wedges – Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these wedges are a fun sidekick.
5. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and freshness alongside the creamy soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers – Filled with rice and cheese, these peppers complement the soup well.
7. Quinoa Salad – A nutritious salad packed with protein adds balance to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few important details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring the seasoning: Proper seasoning is essential for flavor. Be sure to taste your soup as you go and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly.

• Overcooking the rice: If you let the rice cook too long, it may turn mushy. Stir frequently and keep an eye on the cooking time to achieve the perfect texture.

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing your vegetables before adding broth enhances their flavor. Don’t rush this step; allow them to soften and caramelize slightly.

• Not using enough broth: Since rice absorbs liquid, you may need extra broth for a lighter soup. Always have some on hand to add if necessary during cooking or reheating.

• Cooking at too high a temperature: Cooking on high heat can lead to uneven cooking or burning. Keep a steady medium-low heat for best results.

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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 airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags 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 to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup that might help clarify any uncertainties.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great way to save time. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup.

What type of rice works best?

Long grain white rice is ideal as it cooks perfectly in this creamy soup. Avoid quick-cooking varieties as they can become mushy.

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening without compromising flavor.

How can I customize this soup?

Feel free to add more vegetables like peas or spinach, or even swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adapt it based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or something hearty for your family, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings!