Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe – Easy & Comforting
Nothing beats a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup on a chilly day. This homemade soup is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for family dinners or cozy nights in. Loaded with tender chicken, wholesome rice, and a creamy, velvety broth, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare and requires simple pantry ingredients, making it a go-to meal for busy days. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to warm you up during the colder months, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Active Time: 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approx. 350 per serving
- Course: Main Course, Soup
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 cup white rice (long grain or jasmine)
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a hint of freshness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Create the Base
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for about 1 minute. This helps thicken the soup later. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Add the Chicken and Rice
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then add the shredded chicken and uncooked rice. Stir well and cover. Allow the soup to cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
4. Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the milk, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
5. Final Touches
Stir in the lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the creamy chicken and rice soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg (varies based on broth used)
Tips for Success
- Use Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.
- Rice Variations: White rice cooks quickly, but if using brown rice, increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or milk to adjust consistency.
- Freezing Tip: The soup can be frozen, but note that the rice may absorb liquid and become softer upon reheating. Consider freezing without the rice and adding it fresh when reheating.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a comforting, home-cooked meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this soup will leave everyone satisfied. Enjoy a bowl today and savor the creamy, hearty goodness!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.