Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul on chilly days. This comforting soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory rice in a creamy broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe stands out with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. With the rice cooking directly in the soup, it creates a velvety consistency that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of half and half with chicken broth results in a luscious, comforting broth.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use any leftover chicken or veggies you have on hand for a personalized touch.
- Serves a Crowd: With 10 servings, it’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and creamy texture make it appealing to children and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make cooking much smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot: This is essential for even cooking and allows you to cook all ingredients together without overcrowding.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring uniform pieces for even 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!
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.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the butter; then add in the diced onions, carrots, and celery along with some kosher salt to taste. Sauté while stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until the veggies are tender. Add minced garlic at the end and stir for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces into the pot. Cook until they are no longer pink inside. Then stir in chopped thyme and rosemary to infuse flavor.
Step 4: Thicken with Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture in the pot and stir well to coat both vegetables and chicken evenly.
Step 5: Add Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth alongside half & half, soy sauce, hot sauce, and uncooked rice. Stir everything together thoroughly before increasing heat to medium-high until boiling.
Step 6: Simmer
Once boiling, reduce heat back down to low to let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes until rice is cooked through and soup thickens nicely. Remember to stir frequently so that rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Final Taste Check
Give your soup a taste test! Adjust seasoning by adding more hot sauce, salt, or pepper as needed before ladling into bowls.
Garnish each serving with shaved Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper before enjoying this tasty Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Serving Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative ways to serve it.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping. The bread complements the creamy texture of the soup perfectly.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or thyme. This adds a burst of color and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- Pair with a light side salad dressed in vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad balances the rich soup.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an impressive presentation and adds more flavor.
With Cheese Toasties
- Grill cheese sandwiches on the side. These cheesy toasties make a comforting match with the creamy soup.
Drizzled with Hot Sauce
- For those who enjoy spice, add a drizzle of hot sauce on top before serving. This adds an extra kick to every spoonful.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
To achieve the perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Thickness: If your soup is too thick, add extra broth or water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Cook Rice Separately: For a different texture, cook rice separately and add it just before serving.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking enhances the flavors as they meld together.
- Stir Frequently: Stir during cooking to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking for balanced flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can turn it into a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: Simple yet flavorful, garlic bread complements the creaminess of the soup beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crunch and tang that contrasts well with the rich soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide healthy nutrients while adding depth to your meal.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans bring freshness and color to your plate.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are great for dipping into the creamy goodness of the soup.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse your palate between bites of rich soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad can provide additional nutrients while keeping things light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience and the flavor of the soup.
- Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken and vegetables properly can lead to a bland soup. Make sure to use enough salt and spices.
- Overcooking the rice: If you let the rice cook too long, it may turn mushy. Keep an eye on the cooking time to maintain a nice texture.
- Neglecting to stir: Failing to stir the soup can cause the rice to stick to the bottom of the pot. Stir frequently while simmering for even cooking.
- Not adjusting liquid levels: Rice absorbs broth as it cooks, so you might need extra broth when reheating. Always check consistency before serving.
- Ignoring garnishes: Skipping garnishes can make your soup look less appealing. Top with fresh parsley or Parmesan for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing the container.
Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.
Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Oven: Heat at 350°F (175°C) in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl; heat in intervals, stirring between each until heated evenly.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring often until hot. Add broth if needed for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup that might help you get the most out of this recipe.
Can I use other types of chicken?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just adjust cooking time accordingly since breasts can dry out faster.
Is there a vegetarian version of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
Yes! Replace chicken with veggies like mushrooms and add vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
How do I make my soup thicker?
To thicken your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during cooking.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after resting. Just store it properly, as mentioned above.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste. Enjoy this delightful dish as a heartwarming meal any time of year!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a warm, nourishing dish. This delightful recipe features tender chicken pieces simmered with fresh vegetables and hearty rice in a rich, creamy broth. With a velvety texture and robust flavors, this soup is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings. The ingredients meld beautifully, creating a wholesome meal that will please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 large carrots
- 3 stalks celery
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 cup half-and-half
- Fresh herbs (thyme and rosemary)
- Kosher salt and spices (Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika)
Instructions
- Season diced chicken with salt and spices in a bowl.
- Sauté onions, carrots, celery in butter until tender; add garlic.
- Cook the seasoned chicken until no longer pink.
- Stir in flour to thicken, then add broth, half-and-half, rice, and soy sauce.
- Bring to a boil before reducing heat to simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving with garnishes like Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
