Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy broth, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends and family. The rice cooks right in the soup, adding a delightful richness that makes each spoonful a treat. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this creamy chicken and rice soup checks all the boxes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup comes together quickly.
Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices creates a deliciously flavorful broth that enhances the chicken and veggies.
Comforting Texture: The creamy broth paired with tender rice makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize this soup with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Great for Meal Prep: This recipe yields plenty of servings, making it ideal for leftovers or freezing for later.

Tools and Preparation

To make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, you’ll need some essential tools that make cooking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without scorching. Its heavy base retains heat well.
Mixing bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken with spices before cooking. It keeps your workspace organized.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pots. They ensure even mixing of ingredients.

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 salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes, then stir to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pot, then add in the onions, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle kosher salt to taste over the vegetables. Sauté while stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and stir for another half minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot and cook until no longer pink inside. Stir in fresh thyme and rosemary during this step to infuse flavor into the dish.

Step 4: Thicken Soup Base

Sprinkle flour over the cooked chicken and vegetables while stirring continuously to coat them evenly.

Step 5: Add Liquids

Slowly pour in chicken broth, half & half, soy sauce, and hot sauce into the mixture while stirring gently to combine everything well. Then add uncooked rice into the pot.

Step 6: Simmer

Increase heat to medium-high until boiling occurs; then reduce heat back down to low to allow simmering for about 15–20 minutes until rice is tender. Remember to stir frequently so that rice does not stick to the bottom of your pot.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste your creamy chicken and rice soup; adjust seasoning with more hot sauce or salt as desired. Ladle into bowls when ready to serve! Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and parsley before enjoying every hearty spoonful!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. Here are some delightful ways to serve this satisfying soup.

Garnish Suggestions

Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a rich, savory flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Add chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Black Pepper: A dash of black pepper enhances the overall taste and adds a slight kick.

Accompaniments

Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
Salad: Pair with a light green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.
Crackers: Offer an assortment of crackers as a crunchy side that complements the smoothness of the soup.

Serving Bowls

Individual Bowls: Use deep bowls to serve each portion, allowing guests to enjoy every last drop.
Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls for added flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

To achieve the best version of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh thyme and rosemary will elevate the flavor significantly compared to dried herbs.
Adjust Consistency: If your soup becomes too thick, simply add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired texture.
Cook Rice Separately: For a more controlled texture, cook rice separately and stir it into the soup right before serving.
Season Generously: Always taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra hot sauce as needed.
Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Complement your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup with these delicious side dishes. Each offers unique flavors that enhance your meal.

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes for an excellent dipping option alongside your soup.
Caesar Salad: The richness of Caesar dressing pairs well with the creamy soup, adding crisp textures.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide a nutritious contrast with their caramelized sweetness.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are delightful when paired with soups, adding a hint of sweetness.
Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty side that complements the creamy texture of your dish.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity to balance out the rich flavors of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Avoid these mistakes for a delicious outcome.

Not seasoning properly: Failing to season the chicken and vegetables can make your soup bland. Always add salt and spices during the cooking process to enhance flavors.
Skipping the sauté step: Skipping the sautéing of vegetables may lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Take the time to sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft before adding other ingredients.
Overcooking the rice: Cooking the rice too long can turn it mushy. Keep an eye on it while simmering and check for doneness around 15 minutes.
Neglecting broth adjustments: Not considering how much broth is absorbed by the rice can lead to a thick soup. If it gets too thick, don’t hesitate to add more broth or water.
Choosing the wrong pot: Using a pot that’s too small can cause spills and uneven cooking. Use a large Dutch oven or soup pot to accommodate all ingredients easily.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Leave some space at the top of containers, as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely. Stir occasionally and heat for about 2-4 minutes until hot.
Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.

Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works great. Just add it towards the end of cooking to heat through.

How can I customize my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition. You can also adjust spices based on your taste.

What type of rice should I use?

Long grain white rice is recommended because it cooks well in soups. However, you can substitute with brown rice; just adjust cooking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickening agent or cornstarch mixed with water.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy dinners!

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Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with loved ones. This hearty soup features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy broth that envelops each spoonful in warmth and satisfaction. The rice cooks right in the pot, absorbing all the delicious flavors to create a rich, comforting experience. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, this soup is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy quality time together.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 large carrots
3 stalks celery
1 medium yellow onion
4 cloves garlic
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup half and half
1 cup long-grain white rice
Fresh thyme and rosemary

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, coat diced chicken with kosher salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes.
Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté diced onions, carrots, celery for about 5–7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic for an additional minute.
Stir in seasoned chicken; cook until no longer pink. Add fresh herbs.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir to coat.
Gradually add chicken broth, half & half, soy sauce, hot sauce, and uncooked rice while stirring.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low; simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender. Adjust seasonings as desired before serving.

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