Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food, ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a warm hug in a bowl. This rich and satisfying soup combines tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and creamy broth with rice that cooks right in the pot. It’s a versatile dish that works for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how delightful it tastes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of chicken, creamy broth, and aromatic herbs creates a deliciously warming dish.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required as everything cooks in one pot, making it easy to prepare.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup freezes well, so you can enjoy leftovers anytime.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup will keep you satisfied for hours.

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Tools and Preparation

To make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, gather your tools and get ready to create this delicious dish. Having the right equipment will ensure an easier cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and handling raw chicken.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for even cooking of all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect 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!

Chicken

• 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

Additional 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: 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. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the butter first. Then add in the onions, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle kosher salt to taste. Sauté while stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic last and stir for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces into the pot. Cook them until no longer pink throughout. After that, stir in the fresh thyme and rosemary until fragrant.

Step 4: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle in the flour over the mixture in the pot. Stir well to coat both the vegetables and chicken pieces evenly with flour.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Rice

Slowly pour in the chicken broth along with half-and-half. Stir in soy sauce and hot sauce next. Finally, add in uncooked rice while stirring thoroughly to combine everything.

Step 6: Simmer Until Done

Increase heat to medium-high to bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat back down low to simmer until rice is cooked through (about 15-20 minutes). Be sure to stir frequently so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning & Serve

Taste your soup! Feel free to add more hot sauce or other seasonings as desired. Ladle soup into bowls before garnishing with shaved Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and fresh parsley before serving warm!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Serving Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can elevate your mealtime experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this comforting dish.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Garlic bread adds a flavorful twist and complements the creamy broth.

Topped with Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Shaved Parmesan: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese elevates the richness of the soup.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crispness of a Caesar salad balances the creaminess of the soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

In a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowl Presentation: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and edible serving option.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

To ensure your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup turns out delicious every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Broth: Start with homemade or high-quality chicken broth for a richer flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Rice: Keep an eye on the rice; it should be tender but not mushy.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste before serving, as seasoning may need adjusting based on personal preference.
• Add Vegetables Wisely: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a hearty complement that pairs well with the soup’s texture.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a nice crunch and earthy flavor to balance the meal.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add brightness and freshness.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with rice or quinoa for an extra dose of goodness alongside your soup.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the creamy flavors of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for a perfect soup every time.

• Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough. Aim for just until no longer pink and tender.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Not tasting the soup before serving can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Using the wrong rice type – Choosing a quick-cooking rice can result in mushy soup. Stick with long grain white rice for the best texture.
• Neglecting to stir frequently – Failing to stir while simmering can cause the rice to stick to the pot. Make sure to stir often during cooking.
• Not adding enough liquid – The rice absorbs a lot of broth, so be prepared to add more liquid if the soup thickens too much. Keep broth or water handy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Gently reheat over medium heat, stirring often until hot. Add extra broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How can I make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup healthier?

You can use low-fat milk instead of half-and-half, or add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrients.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! Cooked chicken works great. Just add it towards the end of cooking to warm it through without overcooking.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I thicken my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

If you want a thicker soup, you can mix a bit more flour with water and stir it into the soup while it simmers.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes! Just make sure to store it properly in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!