Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This hearty soup is rich with flavors from tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and creamy broth. The rice cooks directly in the soup, adding a delightful creaminess and body. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as a warming meal on a chilly day, this soup will surely please everyone at the table.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Protein
• Seasonings
• Vegetables
• Herbs
• Other Ingredients
• How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
• Step 1: Season the Chicken
• Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 3: Cook the Chicken
• Step 4: Thicken with Flour
• Step 5: Combine Broth Ingredients
• Step 6: Adjust Consistency
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Pair with Bread
• Serve with Cheese
• Add a Side Salad
• Include Crackers
• How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
• Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup so comforting?
• Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
• How can I customize my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
• Is this soup gluten-free?
• How do I store leftovers of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of half and half with chicken broth creates a luscious texture that is incredibly satisfying.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or adjust seasoning to suit your taste.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary tools for making this creamy chicken and rice soup. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot
• Medium mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for seasoning chicken before cooking.
• Cutting board: Essential for safe chopping of vegetables and chicken.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.

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!

Protein

• 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings

• 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

• 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
• 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 to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the butter then add in the onions, carrots, and celery along with kosher salt to taste. Sauté while stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add 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 on the outside. Stir in thyme and rosemary.

Step 4: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle flour over the mixture in the pot; stir well to coat both vegetables and chicken evenly.

Step 5: Combine Broth Ingredients

Slowly pour in chicken broth, half & half, soy sauce, hot sauce, followed by rice; stir to combine. Increase heat to medium-high until boiling then reduce to low heat allowing it to simmer until rice is cooked through (approximately 15-20 minutes). Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

Since this recipe incorporates rice that cooks directly in the soup, remember that it will absorb much of the broth as it thickens. If needed, add more broth or water when reheating leftovers.

Step 7: Serve

Taste your soup! Adjust seasoning with more hot sauce or salt as desired before ladling into bowls. Garnish each serving with shaved Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and fresh parsley for an added touch of flavor! Enjoy your delicious creamy chicken and rice soup!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Serving Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a delightful experience, as it can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Thyme Sprigs: A few thyme sprigs on top give a fragrant touch.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Garlic Bread: Adds flavor and crunch to each bite.

Serve with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan enhances the soup’s richness.
• Cheddar Shredded Cheese: For a sharper taste, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine lettuce complements the soup’s creaminess.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Lightly dressed greens provide a refreshing contrast.

Include Crackers

• Saltines: Classic crackers offer a crunchy texture to balance the soup.
• Herbed Crackers: These add an extra layer of flavor when paired with the soup.

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How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

To make your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup even better, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your soup is rich, flavorful, and perfect every time.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary bring vibrant flavors that dried herbs can’t match.
• Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick after cooking, add more broth or water until desired consistency is reached.
• Stir Frequently: This prevents rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot, ensuring even cooking.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper throughout cooking for optimal flavor.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for about 10 minutes before serving lets flavors meld beautifully.
• Batch Cook for Freezing: Make extra servings to freeze; just remember to add more broth when reheating.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors well.

1. Garlic Toast: Crispy bread topped with garlic butter makes for an irresistible pairing.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color, flavor, and nutrition to your meal.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites offer an earthy complement to the rich soup.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious broth.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning – Not seasoning the chicken and vegetables adequately can result in bland soup. Always season each layer of your dish.
• Overcooking the rice – Cooking the rice for too long will make it mushy. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness at around 15 minutes.
• Not stirring frequently – If you don’t stir the soup often, the rice may stick to the bottom and burn. Stirring helps distribute heat and prevents sticking.
• Ignoring broth absorption – The rice absorbs a lot of liquid while cooking, which can lead to a thick soup. Adjust with extra broth or water as needed, especially when reheating.
• Using low-quality broth – A good quality chicken broth enhances flavor. Choose homemade or low-sodium options for better taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Start with 2-3 minutes on high power, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup so comforting?

The combination of tender chicken, hearty rice, and creamy broth provides warmth and satisfaction, perfect for any meal.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time while still enjoying delicious Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.

How can I customize my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Feel free to add different vegetables like peas or spinach. You can also adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.

Is this soup gluten-free?

This recipe contains flour; however, you can substitute it with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.

How do I store leftovers of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. It’s perfect as a quick dinner option during busy weeknights or as a cozy meal on chilly days. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!