Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms you up on chilly days. This soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty rice in a luscious creamy broth. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish is as convenient as it is delicious. The unique feature of this recipe is that the rice cooks directly in the soup, enhancing its body and richness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and fresh herbs adds depth to every spoonful.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and comforting flavors, making it a hit with everyone.
Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, perfect for make-ahead meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven or large soup pot
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution, essential for simmering soups without burning.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for seasoning and preparing chicken before adding to the pot.
Ladle: Makes serving soup easy and mess-free.

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: Season 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 to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add in the onions, carrots, and celery. Season with kosher salt to taste. Sauté while stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and stir for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot, cooking until they are no longer pink inside (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in the thyme and rosemary once cooked through.

Step 4: Add Flour

Sprinkle in the flour while stirring to coat both vegetables and chicken evenly.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth & Rice

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, half & half, soy sauce, and hot sauce while stirring continuously. Add in the uncooked rice at this point as well. Increase heat to medium-high until boiling; then reduce heat back down to low to let simmer until rice is fully cooked (about 15–20 minutes). Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

Since this soup has rice cooked directly within it, be aware that it will absorb much of the broth as it thickens up during cooking. Feel free to add more broth or water if you prefer a thinner consistency when reheating leftovers.

Step 7: Final Taste Check

Taste your creamy chicken and rice soup before serving! Adjust seasoning by adding more hot sauce or salt if desired. Ladle into bowls and garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley before enjoying!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for something simple or want to add flair, there are plenty of serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Garnish Ideas

Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme on top for an added freshness.
Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances the creaminess and adds a savory touch.
Pepper Flakes: Add a dash of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little heat.

Accompaniment Suggestions

Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the soup.
Crackers: A side of buttery crackers pairs perfectly for added crunch.
Salad: A fresh green salad provides a nice contrast to the rich soup.

Serving Temperature

Hot: Always serve this soup hot for the best experience.
Ladle into Bowls: Use a ladle to serve individual portions, making it easy for guests.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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

Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth for maximum flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust spices to suit your preference. Every palate is different!
Stir Frequently: Stirring prevents the rice from sticking and ensures even cooking throughout the pot.
Control Consistency: If the soup thickens too much after cooking, add extra broth or water as needed, especially when reheating leftovers.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This soup also freezes well—just separate it into portions before freezing.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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

Garlic Bread: This warm bread option is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a hearty side that complements the flavors beautifully.
Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, or cheese, adding a flavorful contrast to your meal.
Cheese Quesadillas: Quick to prepare, these cheesy delights make an excellent pairing with soup.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch that goes well with the creamy texture of the soup.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful sweetness against the savory soup.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

Overcooking the Chicken: If you cook the chicken too long, it may become dry. Aim to cook it just until no longer pink.
Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to bland soup. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or hot sauce as needed.
Not Stirring Enough: If you don’t stir frequently, the rice can stick to the bottom of the pot. Stir every few minutes while simmering.
Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold broth or cream can lower the temperature of your soup. Always use room temperature ingredients when possible.
Skipping Garnishes: Garnishes like Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley enhance flavor and presentation. Don’t skip this step for a beautiful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Allow the soup to cool before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Freeze in portions for up to 2-3 months.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags for best results.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring often until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish made with tender chicken, rice, vegetables, and a rich creamy broth that is perfect for chilly days.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! Leftover chicken works great in this recipe. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.

How can I customize my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

You can add different vegetables like peas or corn, or swap out herbs based on your preference. Make it your own!

Is this soup healthy?

With lean chicken thighs and plenty of veggies, Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can be a nutritious meal option when enjoyed in moderation.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not just delicious; it’s also versatile! You can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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

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Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect blend of comforting flavors, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings. This hearty soup features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful rice simmered in a rich, creamy broth that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With its simple preparation and quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The rice cooks directly in the soup, enhancing its texture and richness, ensuring every spoonful is as delightful as the last. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for an extra touch of warmth.