Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that warms your heart and fills your belly. This soup combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and rice in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for chilly nights or cozy family meals, it brings everyone together at the table with its delightful flavors and satisfying texture.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making this soup is a breeze.
Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices enhances the taste, making every spoonful a delight.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or alongside your favorite bread for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: This soup serves up to 10 people, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep.
Comforting and Filling: The creamy broth combined with rice provides warmth and satisfaction.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These will help you prepare the ingredients efficiently and cook the soup to perfection.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven or large soup pot
Cutting board
Knife
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
Mixing bowl: Useful for marinating chicken with spices before 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!

Chicken and Seasonings

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 and Broth

1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups chicken broth

Creamy Components

1 cup half and half
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. hot sauce

Rice and Garnish

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. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the unsalted butter in the pot. Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, along with more kosher salt to taste. Sauté these vegetables for about 5–7 minutes until they soften. Add minced garlic last for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add in your seasoned chicken pieces into the pot. Cook until they are no longer pink inside. Once cooked through, stir in both thyme and rosemary to infuse flavor into your mix.

Step 4: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture in the pot. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with flour; this helps thicken your soup later on.

Step 5: Add Liquids & Rice

Gradually pour in chicken broth along with half & half for creaminess. Add soy sauce and hot sauce next. Stir everything together thoroughly before adding uncooked rice into your pot.

Step 6: Simmer It Down

Turn heat up to medium-high until boiling occurs; then reduce heat to low allowing it to simmer gently for approximately 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked through while stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste test your delicious soup! Adjust seasoning by adding more hot sauce or salt per your liking. Serve warm by ladling into bowls garnished generously with shaved Parmesan cheese along with black pepper & freshly chopped parsley before enjoying!

Now that you know how easy it is to make this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup from scratch at home – gather those ingredients together today!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer a simple bowl or a more elaborate meal, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

Pair this soup with a slice of fresh, crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up that creamy broth.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley or thyme. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

With a Side Salad

Serve alongside a light garden salad. The crisp veggies will complement the richness of the soup beautifully.

Add Extra Protein

Consider adding cooked shredded chicken or crispy bacon on top of the soup for an extra protein boost and added flavor.

With Cheese Toasties

Grilled cheese or cheese toasties make an excellent side. The melty cheese pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the soup.

Drizzled with Hot Sauce

For those who love spice, a few drops of hot sauce on top will give your soup an exciting kick!

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

To make your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens too much while sitting, simply add more broth or water when reheating.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences. More herbs can create a delightful aroma!
Cook Rice Separately (if preferred): For those who want firmer rice, cook it separately and stir it in just before serving.
Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for robust flavors.
Garnish Creatively: Add different toppings like crispy onions or additional herbs for variety each time you serve!

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Enjoying Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some great side dishes to consider:

Caesar Salad: A classic salad featuring romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing that adds crunch and flavor contrast.
Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover soup in your bowl.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious element that balances out the creamy richness.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse your palate between bites of savory soup.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful sweetness that complements the savory nature of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and nutrition to your meal while bringing out natural sweetness.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty accompaniment.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and brightness that contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoiding these will ensure your soup turns out perfect!

Not seasoning the chicken: Always season your chicken pieces before cooking. This enhances flavor throughout the dish.
Ignoring the rice cooking time: If you don’t monitor the rice, it can become too mushy. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook until just tender.
Overcooking the vegetables: Sauté until just tender. Overcooked veggies lose their texture and color, impacting the overall dish.
Skipping broth additions: If your soup thickens too much, don’t hesitate to add extra broth or water. This maintains soup consistency and flavor.
Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes like Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley not only enhance appearance but also add flavor. Don’t skip them!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Allow the soup to cool before sealing for best results.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Leave space at the top of the container as the soup may expand when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

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 in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.

How can I make this soup healthier?

You can use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber or substitute half-and-half with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter option.

What vegetables can I add to my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Feel free to include vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach. They add nutrition and color while enhancing flavor.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge or freezer as directed above.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its rich flavors on chilly days!

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Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect dish for chilly evenings, bringing warmth and comfort with every spoonful. This delightful recipe features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and hearty rice simmered in a rich, creamy broth. Whether you’re seeking a cozy family meal or preparing for gatherings, this soup is quick to make and packed with flavor. Its versatility allows you to serve it as a standalone dish or paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Enjoy the satisfying texture and delicious taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 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 herbs: thyme and rosemary

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Instructions

In a bowl, season diced chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
Add seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink. Stir in thyme and rosemary.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir well.
Gradually add chicken broth and half-and-half; mix thoroughly before adding uncooked rice.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 15–20 minutes until rice is tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American