Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Short Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty dish packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and rice in a rich, creamy broth. This one-pot meal is perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a warm and satisfying bowl of homemade goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make in one pot for minimal cleanup
• Rich and creamy texture without being too heavy
• Customizable with different vegetables and rice types
• Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully
• Family-friendly and perfect for cozy dinners

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Butter or olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Carrots, diced
• Celery, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Long-grain rice (such as jasmine or basmati)
• Flour (for thickening)
• Salt and black pepper
• Dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Bay leaf
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Sauté the vegetables – In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
2. Add the broth and rice – Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf, and stir in the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Add the chicken – Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Make it creamy – In a small bowl, whisk together flour and heavy cream to create a slurry. Slowly stir it into the soup, cooking for another 5 minutes until thickened.
5. Serve and enjoy – Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce cooking time.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the soup.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to thin it out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but the rice may absorb liquid and change texture. If freezing, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it fresh when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken instead of pre-cooked?

Yes! Add raw, diced chicken when you add the broth and let it cook through before adding the rice.

What type of rice is best for this soup?

Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati works well, but you can also use brown rice (increase cooking time) or wild rice.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients except cream and flour to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in the cream and thickener at the end.

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?

Use pre-cooked rice and stir it in at the end, or cook the soup just until the rice is tender.

What vegetables can I add?

Mushrooms, spinach, peas, or corn all make great additions to this soup.

How can I make this soup lighter?

Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter or oil.

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This is a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

How do I thicken the soup without flour?

You can use cornstarch, mashed potatoes, or even pureed white beans to thicken the soup.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. If it thickens too much, add a little extra broth.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes! It’s mild, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors that kids love.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a warm and hearty meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of the year. Whether you enjoy it fresh, make it ahead for meal prep, or freeze it for later, this soup is a go-to comfort food the whole family will love. Try different variations and make it your own!

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