Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy chicken and rice soup recipe! Perfect for chilly days, it’s made with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and rich cream for a satisfyingly delicious meal. Follow this simple recipe to create a cozy bowl of goodness that your family will love. Click to discover how to prepare this creamy heaven chicken and rice soup and warm up your kitchen today!
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
1 cup long-grain white rice, thoroughly rinsed until the water runs clear
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
2 celery stalks, diced into small pieces
6 cups rich chicken broth (homemade or low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
. First, you need to chop the vegetables and cube the chicken. Take 1 medium onion and finely chop it. Next, peel and slice 3 medium carrots into thin rounds. Then, dice 2 celery stalks into small pieces. Finally, cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small cubes. These fresh ingredients will make your soup tasty and bright. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers before moving on. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and clear. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies soften and smell great. Next, toss in the diced chicken. Season the mix with sea salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink. After that, gradually pour in 6 cups of chicken broth while stirring. Bring your pot to a rapid boil. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of rinsed long-grain white rice. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir it now and then to keep the rice from sticking. When the rice is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully stir in 1 cup of heavy cream to make the soup rich and creamy. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt and black pepper to your liking. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a lovely look. Enjoy your creamy chicken and rice soup, a true comfort meal! For a complete guide, refer to the Full Recipe. Simmering time is key for perfect rice. When you add the rice, reduce the heat and cover the pot. A gentle simmer helps the rice cook evenly. If the heat is too high, the rice may stick to the bottom. Aim for a simmer of about 20-25 minutes. This ensures the rice absorbs the broth well, making your soup creamy and rich. To boost the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the taste. You can also throw in bay leaves for an earthy hint. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders. Don't forget to taste as you go and adjust seasonings to your liking. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Another mistake is not rinsing the rice. Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing sticky rice. Always rinse until the water runs clear before adding to the pot. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up ingredients in this creamy chicken and rice soup. If you want a lighter option, try turkey instead of chicken. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian twist. For the rice, consider using brown rice or quinoa. Both options add unique flavors and textures. Just remember that different rice types may change the cooking time. Always check to ensure they are tender. To give your soup a new flair, add spices like cayenne or paprika. A pinch of cayenne adds warmth, while paprika can enhance the color and flavor. You can also toss in vegetables like peas or corn for extra taste and nutrition. These small tweaks can make a big difference and keep your soup exciting. If you need gluten-free or dairy-free options, it’s easy to adapt. Use gluten-free broth and rice to keep it gluten-free. For dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream. These changes help everyone enjoy this comforting soup without worry. Always check labels to ensure your choices fit your dietary needs. After making your creamy chicken and rice soup, you want to store leftovers properly. Cool the soup to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure the lid fits tightly to keep out air. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors intact while keeping the soup safe to eat later. If you want to save the soup for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the soup cool completely before freezing. Pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when it freezes. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. To reheat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Heat it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If it seems thick, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to a nice, creamy texture. Creamy chicken and rice soup can last a while if stored right. In the fridge, it stays fresh for three days. If you freeze it, the soup keeps well for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for any changes in color or smell. Enjoy your creamy chicken and rice soup whenever you crave comfort! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Yes, you can use cooked chicken. Just chop it into small pieces. Add it after you sauté the vegetables. You need to reduce the cooking time. Heat everything until warmed through. This keeps the chicken tender and tasty. You can enjoy this soup with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Crusty bread for dipping - A fresh garden salad for crunch - Cheesy garlic bread for extra flavor - Simple crackers for added texture These sides match well with the creamy soup and add variety to your meal. There are a few ways to thicken your soup: - Add more rice: This absorbs liquid and makes it heartier. - Use a slurry: Mix cornstarch with cold water, then stir it in. - Blend some soup: Take a cup of soup and blend it, then return it to the pot. - Add a roux: Cook equal parts flour and butter, then stir this into the soup. These methods help create a rich and creamy texture in your chicken and rice soup. For the full recipe, check out the details above. This guide covered the essential ingredients for a creamy chicken and rice soup. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for timing, and common mistakes to avoid. You can adjust flavors and even substitute ingredients to suit your taste. Remember, storing your leftovers properly is key to enjoying them later. With these insights, you're set to make a delicious, comforting soup that warms you up. Enjoy your cooking adventure!](https://eataroundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/33cdcc65-537e-4c3b-982c-8c8fd7aa28aa-250x250.webp)