Cozy Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Creamy chicken and rice soup represents comfort in a bowl, offering warmth and nourishment during chilly seasons.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a rich and satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Families have long treasured this classic dish for its simple yet robust flavor profile.

Silky textures and subtle seasonings revolutionize basic ingredients into a soul-warming experience that transcends ordinary meal expectations.

Nutritious and filling, this soup balances protein, grains, and vegetables in a harmonious culinary dance.

Homemade preparations elevate the recipe from mere sustenance to a memorable dining moment.

Preparing this soup connects you with traditional cooking techniques and provides a delicious way to nurture loved ones.

Why Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Is a Cold-Weather Favorite

• Craft Layers of Flavor: This soup builds depth through carefully layered seasonings, starting with a spice-rubbed chicken and progressing through aromatic vegetables, creating a rich, complex taste profile that dances on your palate.
• Comfort in a Bowl: The creamy texture and hearty combination of tender chicken, soft rice, and velvety broth deliver ultimate comfort food vibes, perfect for warming up on chilly days or when you need a soul-soothing meal.
• Quick and Customizable Weeknight Winner: With just one pot and under 45 minutes of total cooking time, this recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, allowing home cooks to easily adjust spice levels and consistency to personal preferences.

What Goes Into Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup That Makes It So Good

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the soup, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Chicken Broth: Base liquid that provides deep savory taste, opt for low-sodium version for better control of salt content.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables, select unsalted butter for precise seasoning.
• Half and Half: Creates creamy texture and smooth mouthfeel, provides luxurious thickness to the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty garnish with nutty undertones, use freshly shaved for best flavor.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup aromatic base that provides deep flavor and nutrition, choose fresh and crisp produce.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer with health benefits, select firm cloves without sprouts.
• Fresh Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that add earthy and woodsy notes, use fresh for most vibrant flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green garnish with fresh flavor, adds visual appeal and light herbaceous taste.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasoning for balancing flavors, adjust to personal taste preference.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds complexity, provides instant herbal depth.
• Mustard Powder: Adds subtle tangy undertone, enhances overall flavor profile.
• Paprika: Provides mild warmth and slight smokiness, choose sweet or smoked variety.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and spiciness, adjust amount for desired warmth level.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup That Hits the Spot

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

• Kosher salt
• Italian seasoning
• Mustard powder
• Paprika
• Chili flakes

Set the seasoned chicken aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Diced onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Sprinkle with salt and cook 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften. Toss in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

Step 3: Cook Seasoned Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until chicken turns completely white. Stir in fresh thyme and rosemary.

Step 4: Create Soup Thickener

Sprinkle flour over chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly. Cook 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

Step 5: Build Soup Layers

• Chicken broth
• Half and half
• Soy sauce
• Hot sauce

Add uncooked rice and stir. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to low and simmer 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent rice from sticking.

Step 6: Adjust Soup Consistency

If soup becomes too thick, add extra broth or water to reach desired texture.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serving

• Shaved Parmesan
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley

Tips to Avoid Overcooking in Chicken and Rice Soup

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and create better browning.
• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir the soup frequently during simmering and use a heavy-bottomed pot to avoid burning or uneven cooking.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust hot sauce quantity to match your personal heat preference, starting with small amounts and tasting gradually.
• Enhance Creaminess: Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor and ensure half and half is at room temperature to prevent curdling.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Store soup in airtight containers and add extra broth when reheating, as rice absorbs liquid during refrigeration.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup with Care

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
• Reheating Method: Warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra chicken broth or water to restore the original creamy consistency, as rice tends to absorb liquid during storage. Heat until the soup is steaming hot and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Freezing Option: Freeze the soup without rice for best results. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add freshly cooked rice when reheating to prevent mushy texture and maintain the soup's delicious quality.

Best Sides and Toppings for Chicken and Rice Soup

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, golden baguette or rustic sourdough to soak up the creamy soup's rich flavors. The crispy exterior and soft interior perfectly complement the soup's velvety texture.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's creaminess. These light, refreshing wines provide a bright counterpoint to the hearty chicken and rice.
• Serve with Green Salad: Toss a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and balance the soup's richness. The crisp, tangy salad provides a nice contrast to the warm, comforting soup.
• Finish with Lemon Sorbet: End the meal with a zesty lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate. Its citrusy brightness will refresh your taste buds after the creamy, savory soup.

New Ways to Try Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Rice Soup: Replace Italian seasoning with cumin, chili powder, and add diced green chilies. Top with cilantro, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Soup: Swap rice for orzo pasta and incorporate oregano, lemon zest, and crumbled feta cheese. Add spinach leaves for extra nutrition and color.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Soup: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the vegetables and use wild rice instead of regular rice. Incorporate a splash of white wine for depth and finish with chopped fresh thyme.
• Coconut Curry Chicken Rice Soup: Replace half and half with coconut milk, add curry powder and garam masala. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and green onions for an aromatic Asian-inspired variation.

Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup brings comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen, blending tender chicken, hearty rice, and a silky broth that warms souls on chilly days. Rich with herbs and vegetables, this classic soup invites you to savor each spoonful of home-style goodness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
• 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by combining diced pieces with kosher salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes in a medium mixing bowl. Allow the flavors to meld while preparing other ingredients.
2. Heat butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium temperature. Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become tender and translucent.
3. Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
4. Transfer seasoned chicken pieces into the pot, cooking until the meat turns completely opaque and loses its pink coloration. Incorporate fresh thyme and rosemary, stirring to distribute herbs evenly.
5. Dust the chicken and vegetable mixture with flour, ensuring each component receives an even coating. Toast the flour for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a robust flavor foundation.
6. Gradually introduce chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and hot sauce into the pot. Blend thoroughly to create a smooth, cohesive liquid base.
7. Incorporate uncooked rice, stirring to distribute evenly. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce temperature to low.
8. Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent rice from adhering to the pot’s bottom and to ensure even cooking.
9. Monitor soup consistency, adding additional chicken broth or water (60 to 120 milliliters or 2 to 4 fluid ounces) if the mixture becomes too dense.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, and hot sauce according to personal preference.
11. Serve hot, garnishing each bowl with shaved Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Perfectly spice the chicken beforehand to infuse deep, rich flavors into every bite of the soup.
• Sautéing vegetables slowly develops a sweet, caramelized base that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Coating chicken and vegetables with flour creates a silky, thickened texture that transforms this soup from watery to wonderfully creamy.
• Stirring frequently while rice cooks prevents burning and ensures even, tender rice throughout the soup.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to add bright, aromatic notes that complement the hearty chicken and rice combination.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting hot sauce and selecting your preferred spice intensity for a personalized soup experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg