A piping hot bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup is the perfect comfort food on a chilly day! This recipe is not only simple to make with everyday ingredients but also delivers a rich, satisfying broth that warms your soul. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, this soup is sure to impress. Its creamy texture combined with tender chicken and rice makes it a standout dish you’ll want to prepare time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this delicious soup in just 45 minutes with minimal prep.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of cream, chicken, and seasonings creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great on its own or paired with crusty bread, making it suitable for any occasion.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.
- Leftover Friendly: This soup keeps well and can be reheated easily, perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need for this creamy chicken and rice soup recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chopping knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Allows you to cook all ingredients together without spilling, providing enough space for simmering.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot surface while mixing ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
Basic 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 large soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour
Stir in the minced garlic and flour. Cook this mixture for about one minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Incorporate the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot until the flour has dissolved completely.
Step 4: Mix in Seasonings and Cream
Add Italian seasoning, jasmine rice, and heavy cream to the pot. Increase the heat to high until it reaches a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer, leaving the lid slightly ajar. Simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Finally, add in your bite-sized pieces of chicken. Continue cooking for another 7–10 minutes or until both the chicken and rice are fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. If you find that your soup has thickened too much, feel free to add more chicken broth as needed!
Enjoy your delicious bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Serving creamy chicken and rice soup is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your taste. Here are some creative ways to elevate your serving experience.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley or Cilantro: Chopped fresh herbs add a burst of color and freshness to every bowl.
- Thyme: A sprinkle of thyme gives an earthy flavor that complements the soup perfectly.
Add Crunch with Croutons
- Garlic Croutons: Homemade or store-bought, they provide a satisfying crunch and enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Parmesan Crisps: These are a deliciously cheesy addition that adds texture and richness.
Include Extra Protein
- Grilled Chicken Slices: Top your soup with sliced grilled chicken for an extra protein boost.
- Bacon Crumbles: A sprinkle of crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the creaminess.
Serve with Bread
- Crusty Artisan Bread: Perfect for dipping, crusty bread enhances the meal’s heartiness.
- Garlic Breadsticks: These are great for sopping up every last drop of the rich broth.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Perfecting your creamy chicken and rice soup can make it even more delightful. Here are some helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup becomes too thick, gradually add more chicken broth until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Cook Rice Separately: For leftovers, cooking rice separately prevents it from absorbing too much broth when stored.
- Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to season with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process for optimal flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Pairing side dishes with your creamy chicken and rice soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This classic comfort food is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a healthy touch and bring out natural sweetness.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with cheese add a savory note that complements the dish beautifully.
- Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet cornbread muffins pair excellently with the savory flavors of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with grains, cheese, or meat for a hearty side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making creamy chicken and rice soup can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls that many home cooks encounter. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Skipping the Sauté Step: Failing to sauté the vegetables can lead to a lack of flavor. Always sauté your onions, carrots, and celery until tender to develop a rich base.
Using Pre-Cooked Rice: Adding pre-cooked rice can make your soup overly thick and mushy. Instead, use uncooked rice as specified in the recipe for the best texture.
Not Adjusting Broth Quantity: If you leave out extra broth when storing leftovers, your soup will become too thick. Always add broth as needed when reheating for a perfect consistency.
Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can dry it out. Add it towards the end of cooking to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste and adjust salt and pepper generously before serving for maximum flavor.
Skip the Cream: Omitting cream will alter the soup’s creamy texture. For optimal richness, don’t skip this critical ingredient.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers.
- Lasts about 2-3 months in the freezer without losing quality.
Reheating Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making creamy chicken and rice soup:
How do I make my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, you can add more flour during cooking or let it simmer longer without the lid to reduce liquid.
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly if you choose this option.
Is Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup freezable?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well; just be sure to add more broth when reheating as it thickens over time.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding herbs like thyme or fresh parsley for added depth of flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten it up!
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind that it won’t be as creamy.
Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken and rice soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or just craving something hearty, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try today!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Indulge in the warmth of our creamy chicken and rice soup, a delightful comfort food perfect for chilly evenings. This easy-to-make dish features tender chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, and a rich, creamy broth that envelops each ingredient in flavor. Ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in, this soup promises to satisfy every palate. With minimal prep time and common ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep on hand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
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)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, sauté chopped celery, carrots, and onion in olive oil for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and flour; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour completely.
- Mix in Italian seasoning, jasmine rice, and heavy cream; bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer with the lid slightly ajar for about 10 minutes.
- Add bite-sized pieces of chicken; continue cooking for another 7–10 minutes until chicken and rice are fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
