Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

Heartwarming Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Comfort comes alive in this hearty creamy chicken and rice soup that satisfies every craving.

Tender chicken pieces blend seamlessly with soft rice grains swimming in a luxurious broth.

Warm and inviting, this soup delivers pure deliciousness in every spoonful.

Each ingredient speaks to classic home cooking traditions passed down through generations.

Aromatic herbs and rich cream create a silky texture that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with protein and flavor, this soup turns an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that promises pure, soul-soothing comfort.

How to Save and Reheat Chicken and Rice Soup

  • Store soup in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing rice directly in soup to maintain texture.
  • Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add extra chicken broth if soup has thickened too much during storage. Stir until heated thoroughly and reaches desired consistency.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

Good Pairings for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

  • Pair Creamy Comfort with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio cuts through the soup's richness, offering a bright and refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate with each sip.
  • Balance Hearty Soup with Fresh Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery counterpoint that adds freshness and lightness to the creamy chicken and rice soup.
  • Complement Soup with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, buttered sourdough or rustic French baguette slices alongside the soup, perfect for soaking up the creamy broth and adding a delightful textural crunch.
  • Elevate with Herb-Infused Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top of the soup to introduce a bright, herbal note that lifts the rich, creamy flavors and adds a pop of color.

Delicious Ways to Change Chicken and Rice Soup

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour to thicken the soup. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter and choose plant-based broth for a creamy texture without dairy.
  • Low-Carb Swap: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini. Reduce cooking time and add extra protein like shredded rotisserie chicken for a keto-friendly option.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans. Use vegetable broth and add mushrooms for an umami flavor profile that mimics the original recipe's heartiness.

FAQs

  • Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the simmering time to 25-30 minutes to ensure it becomes tender.

  • Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also use unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version that still provides creaminess.

  • How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add more cooked chicken or include diced ham. You can also stir in some white beans or lentils for extra protein. These additions will boost the nutritional value without changing the soup’s overall flavor profile.

  • What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Use equal parts of each herb to replicate the Italian seasoning flavor. About 1 teaspoon of the combined herbs will work perfectly in this recipe.

What Makes This Chicken and Rice Soup So Comforting

What Makes This Chicken and Rice Soup So Comforting
  • A foolproof recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Easily adapt the soup by swapping vegetables, using different proteins, or adjusting seasonings to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
  • Packed with tender chicken, soft rice, and creamy broth, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends.
  • Prepare a nourishing, delicious soup in under an hour, providing a stress-free cooking experience that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Protein-packed protein that forms the hearty base of this comforting soup.
  • Rice: Soft, starchy grain that adds substance and texture to the creamy soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that creates the foundational soup base.
  • Heavy Cream: Rich dairy ingredient that provides a smooth and luxurious consistency.
Vegetables:
  • Celery, Carrots, Onion: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a deep flavor foundation for the soup.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that adds a robust and complex taste profile.
Seasonings and Thickeners:
  • Flour: Powdery ingredient used to thicken and create a smooth soup texture.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that introduces a subtle and complementary flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.
  • Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.

Instructions to Make Chicken and Rice Soup

Instructions to Make Chicken and Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add celery, carrots, and onions.

Let the vegetables dance and soften for 5-7 minutes, releasing their delightful flavors.

Watch them turn golden and become wonderfully fragrant.

Step 2: Introduce Garlic And Thickener

Sprinkle minced garlic and flour into the pot.

Stir continuously for about a minute to prevent any lumpy surprises and help create a silky smooth base for your soup.

Step 3: Wake Up The Flavors

Pour chicken broth into the pot, gently scraping the bottom to lift those delicious caramelized bits.

These little flavor bombs will make your soup extraordinary.

Step 4: Build The Soup’s Foundation

Blend in:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Rice
  • Heavy cream

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.

Cover the pot slightly and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.

Step 5: Add Protein And Final Touches

Drop in chicken pieces and cook for 7-10 minutes until both chicken and rice reach perfect tenderness.

Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.

Step 6: Perfect The Consistency

Check the soup’s thickness.

If it feels too dense, splash in extra broth.

For future servings, consider cooking rice separately to maintain ideal texture.

Tips to Get Creamy, Flavorful Chicken Soup

Tips to Get Creamy, Flavorful Chicken Soup
  • Stir the rice frequently during cooking to stop it from sticking together and forming a gummy texture at the bottom of the pot.
  • Toast the flour with vegetables briefly to eliminate raw flour taste and develop a richer, nuttier background for the soup.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent some chunks from becoming dry or undercooked.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lower-fat alternative without sacrificing the creamy consistency.
  • Keep extra chicken broth nearby to adjust soup thickness, as rice will continue absorbing liquid while cooling and sitting.
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Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets flavor in this creamy chicken and rice soup, a heartwarming dish that promises pure culinary bliss. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a silky broth, you’ll savor each spoonful of this soul-warming classic.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces or strips

Vegetables:

  • 1 celery stick, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 minced garlic cloves

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 cup uncooked white jasmine rice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high temperature. Sauté celery, carrots, and onion until softened and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes, developing a rich flavor base.
  2. Incorporate minced garlic and flour, stirring continuously for one minute to prevent lumps and create a smooth thickening agent for the soup.
  3. Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping the bottom to release caramelized bits, which will enhance the overall depth of flavor.
  4. Introduce Italian seasoning, rice, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent rice from sticking.
  5. Add chicken pieces and continue cooking for 7-10 minutes until both chicken and rice reach perfect tenderness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Monitor soup consistency during cooking. If the soup becomes too thick, incorporate additional broth to maintain desired texture. For meal prep, consider cooking rice separately and adding it to individual servings to prevent overcooking.

Notes

  • Prevent rice from becoming mushy by cooking it separately and adding to individual servings, ensuring perfect texture every time.
  • Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt, reducing calories without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Make the soup gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and selecting certified gluten-free chicken broth for thickening and flavor.
  • Enhance protein content by adding extra shredded rotisserie chicken or mixing in white beans for a heartier, more nutritious meal option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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