Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting bowl of goodness perfect for chilly nights. This soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth with rice that cooks right in the pot, giving it a delightful body and richness. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, this soup fits seamlessly into any occasion. Its creamy texture and warm flavors will make it a standout dish that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich and Satisfying: The combination of chicken and rice creates a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.
Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spices and seasonings to fit your family’s taste preferences.
Great for Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or enjoying again later.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with veggies and lean chicken, this soup is both delicious and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven or large soup pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for even cooking and allows you to simmer the soup without spilling.
Cutting board: Provides a safe space to chop your ingredients while protecting your countertops.
Chef’s knife: Ensures quick and precise cutting of vegetables and chicken, making prep easier.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.

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 kosher salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes; stir to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until no longer pink inside (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in the chopped thyme and rosemary.

Step 4: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and chicken mixture; stir well to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Add Liquid Ingredients

Slowly pour in the chicken broth along with half-and-half, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Mix well before adding in the uncooked long grain white rice.

Step 6: Simmer

Increase heat to medium-high until boiling; then reduce heat back down to low to simmer. Allow it to cook until rice is tender (~15–20 minutes), stirring frequently so that rice doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

Taste your soup before serving; add more hot sauce or seasonings as desired. Ladle into bowls garnished with shaved Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor! Enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your meal, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance the experience.

Garnish Ideas

Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness.
Grated Cheese: Shaved Parmesan or cheddar provides a rich and creamy finish.
Cracked Black Pepper: A sprinkle adds a touch of heat and enhances the flavors.

Accompaniments

Bread Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are perfect for dipping into the soup.
Crackers: Crunchy crackers add texture and can be sprinkled on top for added crunch.
Salad: A light green salad balances the richness of the soup.

Flavor Boosters

Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy heat, adding a few dashes can spice things up.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the flavors.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

To achieve the ideal Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, consider these helpful tips for a delicious outcome.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance flavor significantly.
Cook Rice Separately: If you prefer firmer rice, cook it separately and add it just before serving.
Monitor Consistency: If the soup thickens too much, add more broth or water as needed.
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; adjust salt, pepper, or hot sauce based on preference.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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

Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter makes for a savory dipper.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing offers a crunchy contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil provide vibrant flavor.
Coleslaw: Refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the creaminess of the soup.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with the hearty soup.
Stuffed Peppers: Hearty stuffed peppers make for a filling side that complements the flavors well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, it’s easy to overlook key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Ignoring the seasoning – Seasoning your chicken properly at the beginning is crucial. Don’t skip this step; it adds depth to the flavor.
Not sautéing vegetables enough – Sautéing your onions, carrots, and celery for enough time enhances their sweetness. Aim for 5-7 minutes until they soften.
Adding rice too early – Adding rice too soon can lead to mushy soup. Wait until the broth is boiling before stirring in the rice.
Neglecting broth quantity – The rice absorbs a lot of liquid. Keep extra broth on hand if you want a thinner consistency later on.
Overlooking freshness – Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary elevate the flavor of your soup. Always opt for fresh herbs when possible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers and label them with dates. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave – Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop – Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup creamy?

The creaminess comes from half-and-half added during cooking, which enriches the broth without overpowering it.

Can I use different types of rice?

Yes! Brown rice or jasmine rice can be used, but cooking times may vary. Adjust accordingly for perfect results.

How can I customize my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like peas or corn, or swap chicken thighs for breasts depending on your preference.

Is this recipe healthy?

Absolutely! With lean chicken and plenty of veggies, it’s a nutritious choice that feels indulgent due to its creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike!

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Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. This hearty soup features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth that envelops fluffy rice. It’s simple to prepare and ideal for both family dinners and gatherings with friends. With every spoonful, you’ll experience a delightful blend of flavors that warms your soul and fills your belly.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion
3 large carrots
3 stalks celery
4 cloves garlic
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup long grain white rice
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
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp hot sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish: Parmesan cheese, black pepper, fresh parsley

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Instructions

Season the diced chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes.
In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and salt for about 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Stir in the seasoned chicken and cook until no longer pink (5–7 minutes). Add thyme and rosemary.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.
Gradually add chicken broth, half-and-half, soy sauce, hot sauce, and rice. Mix thoroughly.
Bring to a boil on medium-high heat; then reduce to low and simmer for about 15–20 minutes until rice is tender.

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