Heartwarming Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this hearty chicken and rice soup that warms you from the inside out.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among perfectly cooked rice grains, creating a symphony of flavors.

Aromatic herbs dance through the rich broth, promising a meal that soothes and satisfies.

Each ingredient carefully selected brings depth and nourishment to this classic dish.

Winter nights or chilly afternoons call for a bowl of pure comfort.

Home cooks adore this simple yet soul-warming recipe that transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Let this soup become your new favorite go-to meal when you need a delicious embrace.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps sauté vegetables smoothly.
• Olive Oil: Prevents butter from burning and brings subtle fruity undertones.

• Onion: Provides sweet, foundational flavor and aromatic depth to the soup.
• Carrots: Introduces natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
• Celery: Contributes crisp texture and earthy undertones.

• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor that elevates the entire soup profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances other ingredients.
• Pepper: Adds mild heat and subtle spiciness.
• Thyme: Brings herbaceous, slightly minty flavor that complements chicken.
• Paprika: Introduces warm, sweet-smoky notes and beautiful reddish color.

Soup Tools For Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking the soup, with enough space to mix all ingredients comfortably.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable cutting and ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps ensure accurate seasoning with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for measuring ingredients like rice and broth.

Steps To Prepare Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup

• Warm Up The Cooking Vessel

Heat a large pot with a blend of butter and olive oil, creating a delicious foundation for your soup.

• Sauté Veggie Base

Toss chopped onions, carrots, and celery into the pot, letting them dance and soften for about 5 minutes until they become tender and release their aromatic flavors.

• Awaken The Spices

Sprinkle in minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika, stirring quickly to allow the spices to bloom and fill the kitchen with an enticing fragrance.

• Introduce The Protein

Add diced chicken pieces to the pot, cooking until they turn a beautiful golden color and are nearly cooked through.

• Pour In Liquid Goodness

Splash in chicken broth and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer that promises rich, comforting flavors.

• Rice Integration

Stir in uncooked rice, letting it absorb the savory liquid and become perfectly tender.

• Simmer To Perfection

Allow the soup to bubble softly, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.

• Cream It Up

Finish by swirling in heavy cream, transforming the soup into a luxuriously smooth and velvety texture.

• Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasonings, then serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

Flavor Variations For Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup

• Slow Cooker Magic: Transform this stovetop soup into a hassle-free meal by transferring ingredients to a slow cooker and simmering on low for 6-8 hours.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains the soup's rich, creamy texture.
• Protein Power Boost: Experiment with different proteins like shredded turkey, diced ham, or white beans to add variety and nutritional value.
• Veggie Versatility: Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutrient density and create a more colorful, satisfying soup.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and ensure your broth is gluten-free for a celiac-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Serving Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup Cozy And Warm

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add delightful texture.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or toasted almond slivers for extra protein and a satisfying crunch.
• Wellness Boost: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and add a small side salad with mixed greens to create a balanced, nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug.

Storing Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup For Later Meals

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy delicious servings for up to 4 days while maintaining optimal taste and quality.
• Freezer Magic: Cool soup completely before storing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring a quick and satisfying meal is always ready when needed.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick during reheating.
• Portion Control Pro: Divide soup into individual serving sizes before storing. This strategy makes it easy to grab a single portion for lunch or a quick dinner, reducing waste and maintaining maximum flavor freshness.

Hearty Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and rice soup delights palates with its comforting blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and rich broth. Warm bowls invite relaxation, connecting hungry souls through classic culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• ½ cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp thyme
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch + 2 tbsps water (for thickening, if needed)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Heat a large pot over medium heat, melding butter and olive oil to create a fragrant cooking foundation.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Add onions, carrots, and celery to the aromatic base, cooking until vegetables become soft and translucent, releasing their delicate flavors and natural sweetness.
3. Seasoning Infusion: Introduce garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika into the vegetable mixture, stirring briefly to activate and distribute the complex herb and spice profile.
4. Protein Integration: Fold shredded chicken into the seasoned vegetable mixture, ensuring the meat is thoroughly coated with the flavorful foundation.
5. Liquid Composition: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the pot, creating a rich, velvety liquid that will serve as the soup’s luxurious binding element.
6. Rice Incorporation: Gently add uncooked rice, allowing it to simmer and gradually absorb the seasoned liquid while expanding and softening throughout the cooking process.
7. Final Cooking Stage: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup develop its depth of flavor, occasionally stirring to prevent rice from sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
8. Finishing Touches: Assess rice tenderness and soup consistency, making final seasoning adjustments with salt and pepper as needed to perfect the flavor profile.

Notes

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir frequently during cooking to stop rice from clumping or burning at the bottom of the pot.
• Control Liquid Absorption: Add extra chicken broth if rice absorbs too much liquid, maintaining a creamy soup consistency.
• Optimize Chicken Texture: Use rotisserie or pre-cooked shredded chicken for faster preparation and more tender meat quality.
• Enhance Dietary Flexibility: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg