Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This rich, hearty soup is ideal for chilly evenings or family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth makes it a standout choice for lunch or dinner. Plus, the rice cooks directly in the soup, creating a filling and flavorful meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This soup is perfect for cozy nights in, filling you up with every spoonful.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this delicious dish with ease.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the veggies or add your favorite spices to make it your own!
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and relaxing with loved ones.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot
• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for evenly distributing heat, ensuring your soup cooks perfectly without sticking.
• Medium-sized mixing bowl: Great for seasoning chicken and mixing ingredients efficiently before adding them to the pot.

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!

Ingredients:
– 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 well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces into the pot. Cook until they are no longer pink inside, then stir in fresh thyme and rosemary.

Step 4: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle flour over the mixture in the pot and stir well to coat both vegetables and chicken evenly with flour.

Step 5: Combine Broth and Rice

Slowly pour in chicken broth along with half & half, soy sauce, and hot sauce while stirring continuously. Add uncooked rice to the mix as well.

Step 6: Simmer

Increase heat to medium-high until boiling is reached. Then reduce heat back down to low to let it simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes until rice is cooked through and soup has thickened slightly. Stir frequently; this prevents rice from sticking at the bottom of the pot.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

Taste your delicious soup! Feel free to add more hot sauce, salt, or pepper according to preference.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle warm soup into bowls garnished with shaved Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and fresh parsley before serving warm! Enjoy every comforting spoonful of this creamy delight!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Serving Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can be a delightful experience, enhancing the flavors of this comforting dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your soup enjoyment.

Use a Bread Bowl

• A bread bowl makes for a fun and edible serving option. Hollow out a round loaf of crusty bread, fill it with hot soup, and enjoy every bite!

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme not only enhances the presentation but also boosts flavor. Sprinkle them on top just before serving.

Pair with Crispy Crackers

• Serve the soup with crispy crackers on the side for an added crunch. They are perfect for dipping!

Drizzle with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of olive oil can enrich the flavors in your soup. Use high-quality extra virgin for the best results.

Add a Squeeze of Lemon

• A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors. Just a little can make your soup taste even fresher.

Serve with Grated Parmesan

• Offering grated Parmesan cheese on the side allows guests to add their desired amount of cheesy goodness to their bowls.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens too much while cooking, add more chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
• Cook Rice Separately: For a thicker broth, you can cook rice separately and add it just before serving.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and spices towards the end for optimal flavor.
• Store Properly: When storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so on low heat to prevent sticking and ensure even warmth throughout.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Complementing your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, garlic bread is flavorful and easy to prepare.
2. Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad offers crisp greens that balance well with the rich soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a wholesome addition that pairs nicely with any soup.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is comforting and adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make for a hearty side dish alongside your soup.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness to your meal, contrasting nicely with the warmth of the soup.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch that complements each spoonful of soup.
8. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that balances out the creaminess of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, several common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using Frozen Chicken: Fresh chicken is best for this recipe. Frozen chicken can release extra moisture, affecting the soup’s creaminess.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Not seasoning your chicken and vegetables can lead to bland soup. Always season well at each step for maximum flavor.
• Not Stirring Enough: Allowing the rice to stick to the bottom of the pot can burn it. Stir frequently while cooking to keep everything evenly distributed.
• Overcooking the Rice: Cooking rice too long will make it mushy. Check for doneness around 15 minutes and adjust as needed.
• Ignoring Thickness Adjustments: If your soup becomes too thick during cooking, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing it in containers.
• Label and date containers for easy identification.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as the soup may expand when frozen.
• For best results, freeze before adding any garnishes.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup so special?

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup stands out due to its rich flavor from fresh ingredients and creamy texture that makes it comforting and hearty.

Can I customize my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like peas or corn, or use brown rice instead of white for added nutrition.

How do I ensure my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not too thick?

If your soup is too thick after cooking, simply stir in additional broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a delightful dish perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. Give this comforting recipe a try today!

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