Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich rice all simmered in a creamy broth. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners, cozy nights in, or when you need a quick meal that fills you up. The unique feature of this soup is how the rice cooks right in the pot, enhancing the flavor and texture while making cleanup a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked together, you save time on cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Comforting Flavor: The blend of creamy broth with tender chicken and savory herbs brings warmth to every bowl.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it again later.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution, perfect for simmering soups.
- Mixing bowl: Great for seasoning chicken without mess.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping veggies efficiently.
- Sharp knife: Ensures easy cutting of ingredients, saving time in prep.
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: Season 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 in the pot. Add the diced yellow onion, carrots, and celery. Season with kosher salt to taste. Sauté while stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until they are no longer pink inside (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in fresh thyme and rosemary.
Step 4: Thicken with Flour
Sprinkle flour over the chicken and vegetable mixture; stir well to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Add Liquid Ingredients
Slowly pour in the chicken broth along with half and half, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Stir gently before adding uncooked rice into the mixture.
Step 6: Simmer
Turn up the heat to medium-high until boiling occurs; then reduce heat back down to low. Let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes until rice is cooked through and soup thickens slightly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Final Touches
Taste your soup! Adjust seasoning with more hot sauce or salt as needed. Serve hot by ladling into bowls; garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a dash of black pepper before enjoying!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as part of a larger meal, there are plenty of delicious options to consider.
Classic Pairings
- Crusty Bread – Serve the soup with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping.
- Garlic Bread – A flavorful twist; garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and taste.
Fresh Salads
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing complements the richness of the soup.
- Garden Salad – A simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes adds freshness and balance.
Tasty Toppings
- Shredded Cheese – Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for extra creaminess.
- Chopped Herbs – Fresh parsley or chives enhance flavor and add color to each bowl.
Pair with Beverages
- White Wine – A chilled glass of white wine can elevate your dining experience.
- Sparkling Water – For a refreshing contrast, serve with sparkling water or lemonade.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
To ensure your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is always a hit, keep these tips in mind. They help enhance the flavors and texture of this comforting dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh veggies and herbs provide better flavor than dried ones. Opt for fresh thyme and rosemary when possible.
- Adjust Consistency – If you find the soup too thick, add more broth or water as needed. This maintains the right texture.
- Cook Rice Separately – For better control over doneness, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it later to avoid overcooking.
- Season Gradually – Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or hot sauce gradually to achieve your desired flavor balance.
- Let it Sit – Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish Generously – Don’t skimp on toppings like Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs; they add extra layers of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Serving side dishes alongside your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can make for a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that pair wonderfully with this dish.
- Cheesy Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits topped with melted cheese are perfect for soaking up soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition.
- Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, or meat make for a hearty accompaniment.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins bring a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy seasoned potato wedges offer crunch alongside the creamy texture of the soup.
- Simple Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness without overpowering it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Not seasoning enough – Failing to properly season the soup can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Using overcooked rice – If the rice is overcooked, it can turn mushy in the soup. Cook just until tender for the right texture.
- Skipping the sauté step – Not sautéing the vegetables before adding liquid can result in less flavor. Take time to caramelize them for a richer taste.
- Ignoring broth quality – Using low-quality chicken broth can compromise the soup’s taste. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for better flavor.
- Forgetting about simmering time – Rushing through the cooking process may leave the rice undercooked. Allow enough time for everything to meld beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Ensure the soup has cooled before refrigerating.
Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop – Place on medium heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup:
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Adjust your cooking time accordingly when using it.
Is this soup gluten-free?
If you substitute with gluten-free flour or omit it entirely, this can be made gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition and flavor.
How can I make this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup healthier?
Use low-fat milk instead of half-and-half and load up on vegetables for a lighter version.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. It’s a comforting meal perfect for any day, so give it a try!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that warms both the heart and stomach. This hearty soup features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich rice simmered in a creamy broth, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With just one pot to clean up after, this recipe is not only delicious but also convenient for busy weeknights. The unique aspect of this soup is how the rice cooks directly in the broth, enhancing its flavor and texture. Enjoy each bowl topped with savory Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 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
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, season diced chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes.
- Heat butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until tender; add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add seasoned chicken to the pot; cook until no longer pink. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, half-and-half, soy sauce, hot sauce, and uncooked rice.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Adjust seasoning as necessary before serving hot with garnishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
