Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. This soup is perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner. The creamy broth, combined with tender chicken and fluffy rice, creates a rich and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s easy to make, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The blend of half and half with chicken broth creates a soup that is both hearty and indulgent.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and keeping flavors concentrated.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and mild flavors, making it an excellent choice for family meals.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making this delicious Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, gather some essential tools. These will help ensure that your cooking process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly and allows for easy stirring.
- Medium-sized mixing bowl: Perfect for seasoning the chicken before adding it to the pot, ensuring even flavor distribution.
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!
For the Soup Base
- 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
For the Vegetables
- 3 Tbsp. butter, unsalted
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Flavoring
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
For Thickening the Soup
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
For Broth and Creaminess
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. hot sauce
Final Touches
- 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 kosher 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 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery along with some kosher salt. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until no longer pink in color. Then stir in fresh thyme and rosemary for added flavor.
Step 4: Add Flour
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the mixture. Stir well to coat both the vegetables and chicken evenly with flour.
Step 5: Pour in Broth
Slowly pour in 6 cups of chicken broth along with 1 cup of half-and-half. Add soy sauce and hot sauce for depth of flavor. Finally, stir in uncooked long grain white rice.
Step 6: Simmer Until Done
Increase heat to medium-high to bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat back down to low. Let simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked through and the soup thickens slightly. Be sure to stir frequently so that nothing sticks to the bottom of your pot.
Step 7: Final Touches
Taste your soup! Adjust seasonings like salt or hot sauce according to your preference. Ladle into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and chopped parsley before enjoying your warm bowl of creamy goodness!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Serving Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors while providing a delightful presentation. Here are some ideas to make your soup experience even better.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Add freshly grated Parmesan for a rich, savory touch.
- Cracked black pepper: A dash of fresh pepper elevates the taste and adds warmth.
Accompaniments
- Crusty bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the soup.
- Salad: A light side salad can balance the richness of the soup.
- Cheese toast: Melted cheese on toasted bread pairs deliciously with the creamy broth.
Serving Suggestions
- In bowls: Ladle into deep bowls for a cozy meal presentation.
- With a drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Achieving the perfect bowl of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring more flavor than dried options.
- Control the heat: Cook on low heat towards the end to prevent the rice from sticking or burning.
- Adjust consistency: If the soup thickens too much, simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired texture.
- Taste as you go: Regularly taste your soup during cooking to adjust seasoning as needed.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Pairing side dishes with Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options you might consider.
- Garlic bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the creamy soup wonderfully.
- Caesar salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing adds crunch and freshness.
- Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli brings nutrition and a lovely green contrast.
- Cornbread muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up extra broth.
- Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth of flavor while being healthy.
- Stuffed bell peppers: These can be made in advance, offering a filling addition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the best flavor and texture. Here are some key pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken properly can lead to bland soup. Always season your chicken before cooking it to enhance its flavor.
- Overcooking the rice: If you cook the rice too long, it may become mushy. Monitor the cooking time closely to ensure a perfect texture.
- Not stirring enough: Neglecting to stir the soup while it simmers can cause the rice to stick to the bottom of the pot. Stir frequently for even cooking.
- Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can diminish the overall taste of your soup. Opt for a rich, flavorful chicken broth for the best results.
- Ignoring leftovers: Leaving leftover soup in an unsealed container can lead to spoilage. Store it properly in airtight containers.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers.
- The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring often until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup:
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup healthier, consider using low-fat half-and-half or adding more vegetables like spinach or kale.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Just reheat as needed throughout the week.
Can I substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used as a substitute. However, thighs tend to provide more flavor and tenderness.
How do I customize Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?
Feel free to add various vegetables or spices based on your preferences. Mushrooms or peas work great additions!
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a delightful recipe that’s both comforting and versatile. You can easily customize it with different veggies or spices based on your cravings. This warm bowl of goodness is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect comforting dish for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. With its rich, creamy broth and tender chunks of chicken combined with fluffy rice, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction in each bowl. Not only is it easy to prepare in just one pot, but it’s also versatile enough to incorporate your favorite vegetables or herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp hot sauce
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- salt and pepper, to taste
- garnish: Parmesan cheese, black pepper, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season diced chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes.
- In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened, then add garlic.
- Add seasoned chicken to the pot; cook until no longer pink.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir well to coat.
- Pour in chicken broth and half-and-half; add soy sauce and hot sauce. Stir in rice.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
