Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. The rice cooks right in the soup, adding thickness and richness that will satisfy your hunger and warm your heart. Enjoy this versatile soup for lunch, dinner, or even as leftovers!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: This soup offers a delightful blend of spices and herbs that create a rich, savory taste.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this soup in just 45 minutes.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Versatile Dish: Perfect for any occasion—serve it at family gatherings or as a quick weeknight meal.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich veggies, it’s a wholesome choice.

Tools and Preparation

To make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. Ensure you gather these items before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven or large soup pot
Medium-sized mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution while cooking soups and stews.
Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for your vegetables, making prep time quicker.
Measuring cups and spoons: Helps maintain accuracy in your ingredients for perfect results.

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!

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 in the pot, then add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Season with kosher salt to taste. Sauté these vegetables for about 5–7 minutes until they soften.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until they are no longer pink inside (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in the fresh thyme and rosemary during the last minute of cooking.

Step 4: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour while stirring to coat both vegetables and chicken evenly. This will help thicken your soup later.

Step 5: Add Broth & Rice

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, half-and-half, soy sauce, and hot sauce while stirring continuously. Add uncooked long grain white rice into the mix as well.

Step 6: Simmer Your Soup

Increase heat to medium-high until it reaches a boil; then reduce heat to low to let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes until the rice is cooked through. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste your soup before serving! Adjust seasoning with more hot sauce or salt if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish each serving with shaved Parmesan cheese, fresh black pepper, and parsley for added flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup!

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 looking for a simple meal or want to impress guests, there are plenty of serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

Sourdough Bread: The tanginess of sourdough complements the creamy soup perfectly.
Garlic Breadsticks: A buttery garlic flavor adds a delicious crunch beside the soup.

Top with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
Thyme Leaves: Use whole thyme leaves for an aromatic touch on top.

Serve with Salad

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and tangy dressing balance the richness of the soup.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette keeps the meal refreshing.

Add a Protein Boost

Grilled Chicken Strips: For extra protein, add grilled chicken on top of your soup.
Cooked Bacon Crumbles: Crispy bacon bits offer a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.

Include a Cheese Garnish

Parmesan Shavings: Freshly grated Parmesan brings an extra layer of creaminess.
Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar adds a sharp taste that complements the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

To make your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

Seasoning: Don’t shy away from spices; they enhance flavors and create depth in your soup.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and herbs for better taste and nutrition.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water when reheating.
Cook Rice Separately (Optional): If you prefer, cook rice separately to control its texture better in the soup.
Use Leftover Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken can save time without sacrificing flavor.
Garnish Generously: Don’t skip garnishes like cheese and herbs; they elevate both presentation and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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

Garlic Bread: This classic choice is perfect for dipping into your soup.
Cornbread Muffins: Their sweetness complements the savory flavors of the soup well.
Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomatoes and basil adds a bright contrast to the creamy soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add texture and nutrition alongside your meal.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges create a delightful crunch with each bite.
Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the soup.
Pesto Pasta Salad: This flavorful side provides a unique twist to round out your dinner.
Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious option that offers vibrant color while being easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.

Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland soup. Always coat the chicken with spices before cooking.
Overcooking the rice: Cooking the rice too long will make it mushy. Monitor closely as it cooks with the soup for a perfect texture.
Not stirring frequently: Allowing the rice to stick to the bottom of the pot can burn the soup. Stir regularly during cooking for even consistency.
Ignoring broth thickness: If the soup becomes too thick, you may need more liquid. Adjust with additional broth or water while reheating.
Using low-quality broth: The flavor of your soup depends on good broth. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Leave some space at the top of containers since liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup that might help you enjoy this recipe even more.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked.

How can I make this soup healthier?

You can substitute half-and-half with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative to reduce calories.

What vegetables work well in Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Feel free to add peas, corn, or spinach for additional nutrition and flavor.

Can I use cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just add it towards the end of cooking since it’s already done.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not just heartwarming; it’s also versatile! You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices. Enjoy this comforting dish any day of the week!

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Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for cozy nights and chilly days. This rich and creamy soup features tender chicken pieces, fresh vegetables, and hearty rice cooked right in the flavorful broth. Each spoonful offers warmth and satisfaction, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or easy weeknight suppers. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this one-pot wonder is not only delicious but also effortless to prepare.

Instructions

In a medium bowl, season the diced chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes.
In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter and sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink. Stir in thyme and rosemary.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to coat.
Gradually add chicken broth, half-and-half, soy sauce, hot sauce, and uncooked rice while stirring continuously.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low; simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked through.
Adjust seasoning if needed before serving; garnish with Parmesan cheese and black pepper.

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