A piping hot bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup is the ultimate comfort food on a chilly day! This recipe is simple to prepare with everyday ingredients, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. The rich, creamy broth combined with tender chicken and rice will warm you from the inside out, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this delicious soup in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of chicken, creamy broth, and aromatic vegetables creates a flavor that feels like a warm hug.
- Versatile Ingredients: With basic ingredients, you can easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite veggies or spices.
- Satisfying Meal: Packed with protein and carbs, this soup is filling enough to serve as a standalone meal.
- Leftover Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day! It’s ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making creamy chicken and rice soup, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready will help you enjoy the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Soup pot: A heavy-bottomed pot distributes heat evenly, preventing burning while simmering your soup.
- Cutting board: It provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
- Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping quick and reduces prep time.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
Ingredients
To make this creamy chicken and rice soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 stick celery (chopped finely)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup uncooked white jasmine rice
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 pound uncooked chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces/strips)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Add the olive oil, celery, carrots, and onion to a soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until they soften, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour
Stir in the minced garlic and flour. Cook for about one minute until fragrant. This step helps thicken your soup.
Step 3: Pour in Broth
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot until the flour dissolves completely.
Step 4: Mix in Seasonings and Rice
Add the Italian seasoning, uncooked rice, and heavy cream. Increase heat to high until it reaches a gentle boil. Stir well before reducing heat to a simmer. Cover with the lid slightly ajar for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cook Chicken
Add in cut chicken pieces. Cook for another 7–10 minutes or until both the chicken and rice are fully cooked. Season generously with salt and pepper. If you prefer a thinner soup, add extra chicken broth as needed. For leftovers, consider cooking rice separately for best results.
Enjoy your delicious bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Serving creamy chicken and rice soup can elevate the experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some creative ways to present this comforting dish.
With Fresh Herbs
- Parsley or Chives – Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Thyme – Add a few leaves of fresh thyme for an aromatic touch that complements the soup beautifully.
Accompanying Bread
- Crusty Bread – Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping. Sourdough or baguette works great!
- Garlic Bread – Pair with garlic breadsticks for a delicious, savory combination that your guests will love.
With a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad – A fresh Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup, making it a perfect pairing.
- Garden Salad – A light garden salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch alongside the creamy soup.
Adding Crunch
- Croutons – Top your soup with homemade or store-bought croutons for an added crunch.
- Toasted Nuts – Sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts on top to enhance texture and flavor.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Perfecting creamy chicken and rice soup is all about technique and using the right ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is always a hit.
- Use Homemade Broth – For richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice – Keep an eye on the rice; overcooking can make it mushy. Aim for perfectly tender grains.
- Adjust Consistency – If your soup thickens too much, simply add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season Generously – Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for maximum flavor.
- Let It Sit – Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking enhances the flavors as they meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Pairing side dishes with creamy chicken and rice soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Toast – Crispy garlic toast complements the creaminess of the soup while adding flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables provide nutritional balance and a colorful plate.
- Stuffed Peppers – These offer hearty satisfaction alongside your comforting bowl of soup; try filling them with quinoa or rice!
- Pasta Salad – A chilled pasta salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm soup, making it an ideal pairing.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw gives a crunchy texture that enhances your meal experience wonderfully.
- Cheese Quesadillas – Quick to prepare, cheese quesadillas provide cheesy goodness that pairs well with any soup dish.
- Cornbread Muffins – These slightly sweet muffins add warmth and comfort, rounding out your meal nicely.
- Pickled Vegetables – The acidity from pickles brightens up the rich flavors in creamy chicken and rice soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making creamy chicken and rice soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using the wrong rice: Not all rice types work well in soups. Stick to uncooked white jasmine rice to ensure perfect texture.
- Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing vegetables builds flavor. Don’t rush this step; it enhances the soup’s taste significantly.
- Not monitoring the heat: Cooking on too high heat can make the rice stick or overcook. Keep it simmering gently for the best results.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting as you go is essential. Always season with salt and pepper at the end for balanced flavor.
- Overcooking chicken: Ensure chicken is cooked just right—overcooked chicken becomes dry. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion.
Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making creamy chicken and rice soup.
How do I make my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup thicker?
You can add more flour or cornstarch mixed with water, or simply reduce the amount of broth used when cooking.
Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken will save time. Just add it towards the end of cooking to warm it through.
What can I substitute for cream in Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk alternative, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
How long does Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup last in the fridge?
It typically lasts about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken and rice soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or spices according to your taste. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a warm bowl that feels like a hug!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul on a chilly day. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and creamy broth with fluffy rice for a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this delicious soup using everyday ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this soup is satisfying and flavorful—sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 stick celery (chopped)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup uncooked white jasmine rice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound uncooked chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté celery, carrots, and onion for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and flour; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pot.
- Mix in Italian seasoning, rice, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer with the lid slightly ajar for 10 minutes.
- Add chicken pieces and cook for another 7–10 minutes until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
