A piping hot bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup is the ultimate comfort food on a chilly day! This easy recipe combines everyday ingredients with a rich and flavorful broth that’s hard to resist. Perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or even as a delicious way to use leftover chicken, this soup is versatile enough to suit any occasion. The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it a standout dish that warms both the heart and the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup takes only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy items; you likely have everything you need in your pantry.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth results in an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it truly your own!
- Comforting Warmth: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl.
Tools and Preparation
To make this creamy chicken and rice soup efficiently, gather your essential tools. Having the right kitchen equipment will help streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Soup pot: A large pot allows for even cooking and provides enough space for all ingredients.
- Cutting board: Essential for safe chopping of vegetables, keeping your workspace organized.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of ingredients.
Ingredients
Main 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 the 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 the mixture for about one minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Incorporate Chicken Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot until the flour has completely dissolved.
Step 4: Mix in Seasonings and Rice
Add Italian seasoning, uncooked rice, and heavy cream to the pot. Increase the heat to high. Once it reaches a gentle boil, give it a good stir. Reduce heat to simmer, covering with the lid slightly ajar. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cook Chicken
Finally, add in the cut chicken pieces. Cook for another 7–10 minutes until both chicken and rice are cooked through. Season generously with salt & pepper according to your taste. If you prefer a thinner soup, feel free to add more chicken broth as needed!
Now you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup that’s sure to be a hit at your table!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Serving creamy chicken and rice soup can be as delightful as making it. This comforting dish pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavor and texture.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to your soup.
- Chives – A mild onion taste complements the creaminess of the soup.
With Crusty Bread
- Baguette Slices – Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Garlic Bread – Offers a savory crunch that balances the soup’s creaminess.
With Cheese
- Grated Parmesan – Sprinkle on top for a nutty finish.
- Shredded Cheddar – Melts beautifully and adds a sharp contrast.
With Salad
- Caesar Salad – A classic choice that brings crispness to the meal.
- Mixed Green Salad – Light and refreshing to balance the hearty soup.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Perfecting your creamy chicken and rice soup is all about enhancing flavors and ensuring the right texture. Follow these tips for a delicious outcome every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs make a significant difference in taste.
- Stir Often – Stirring prevents the rice from sticking, ensuring even cooking.
- Adjust Consistency – Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup or cook longer for a thicker texture.
- Season Generously – Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- Cook Chicken Thoroughly – Make sure your chicken is fully cooked for food safety and tenderness.
- Let it Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving can enhance flavors as they meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Pairing side dishes with creamy chicken and rice soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft, buttery breadsticks brushed with garlic are perfect for dipping.
- Caprese Salad – Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies add color and nutrients alongside your rich soup.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins complement the savory notes of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers – Hearty stuffed peppers add substance without overwhelming the meal.
- Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed salad enhances nutrition while keeping things light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your creamy chicken and rice soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the vegetables can lead to a bland soup. Sautéing enhances flavors, so always take the time to do it.
Using too much flour: Adding too much flour can make the soup overly thick. Stick to the recipe’s measurements for best results.
Not stirring regularly: If you don’t stir while cooking, the rice may stick to the bottom of the pot. Stir occasionally to keep everything well mixed.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Add chicken towards the end of cooking and monitor closely.
Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season can result in a tasteless dish. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover creamy chicken and rice soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about creamy chicken and rice soup:
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to add additional broth and adjust cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this soup healthier?
Consider using low-fat cream or substituting half of it with milk. You can also add more vegetables for extra nutrients.
What if I have leftover soup?
Leftover creamy chicken and rice soup is great! Store it properly as mentioned above, or repurpose it into a casserole by adding cheese and baking.
Can I use cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If using cooked chicken, add it during the last few minutes of cooking just enough to warm through.
Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken and rice soup is a delightful meal perfect for chilly days. Its comforting flavors are sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch!
Recipes
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy chicken and rice soup is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for warming you up on chilly days. This easy-to-follow recipe melds fresh, everyday ingredients with a rich, savory broth that will delight your taste buds. In just about 45 minutes, you can whip up this hearty meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With its creamy texture and customizable options, you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences—add your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch. Enjoy this soul-soothing soup that not only satisfies hunger but also brings warmth and joy to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Celery
- Carrots
- Onion
- Garlic
- Flour
- Chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- White jasmine rice
- Heavy cream
- Chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped celery, carrots, and onion for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and flour; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to dissolve flour.
- Mix in Italian seasoning, uncooked rice, and heavy cream; bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer with the lid slightly ajar for about 10 minutes.
- Add chicken pieces; cook for another 7–10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
