Posted October 31, 2023 by: Admin #Kitchen

Enjoy the ultimate comfort with this luxuriously creamy chicken and rice soup. It’s a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors that will satisfy all your cravings.

Imagine tender pieces of chicken, healthy vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, all swimming in a thick and velvety broth. This hearty soup is the ultimate soul-warming meal, perfect for cold winter nights.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather, stressed, or just in need of a pick-me-up, this soup will bring a smile to your face. It’s so comforting that you’ll forget it was prepared in a single pot!

And the best part is, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. So why wait? Make a batch of this delicious chicken and rice soup tonight and savor every warm and comforting spoonful.

Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

This creamy chicken and rice soup is a delicious and easy lunch or dinner that the whole family will love.

Between the hearty rice, flavorful chicken, and creamy broth, it’s essentially happiness in a bowl.

It’s the kind of soup that no one can say no to, including kids and picky eaters.

Complete with grains, protein, and vegetables, it’s also a complete meal in one.

Easy? Check.

Hearty? You bet.

Delicious? Absolutely.

What more could you ask for?

Ingredients

Not only is this recipe easy, but it also requires only a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Carrots, celery, onion – In the world of chefs, this is called mirepoix, and it’s a classic trio that serves as the base for many soups and stews.

• Garlic – I say half a teaspoon in the recipe card, but feel free to add as much as your heart desires!

• Canola oil – For sautéing the vegetables.

• Uncooked rice – I use jasmine rice because I love its fragrance and nutty flavor. But you can also try other varieties like brown or wild rice. Just make sure to add more liquid to the soup and cook it a bit longer.

• Dried basil and pepper – For added flavor.

• Chicken broth – The broth serves as the flavorful base of the soup. Feel free to use homemade broth if you have it, but any good quality store-bought broth will do.

• Evaporated milk – To add richness and creaminess to the soup.

• All-purpose flour – To thicken the soup. It creates a rich and creamy soup with the broth and milk.

• Chicken breast – You’ll need cooked and sliced chicken breast or shredded roasted chicken for added flavor.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

The most work you’ll have to do for this recipe is to chop the vegetables. From there, it’s just a matter of measuring and stirring!

1. Chop the vegetables.

You’ll need a carrot, celery stalks, an onion, and as much garlic as you’d like.

And if you want to speed up the preparation (after peeling), use a food processor. Just pulse everything a few times, and it should be roughly chopped.

Very easy.

2. Sauté the vegetables.

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

Then add the chopped carrots, celery, and onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent.

Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Add the remaining ingredients.

Incorporate the uncooked rice, seasonings, and chicken broth into the pot, then bring the mixture to a boil.

When it starts to boil, reduce the heat and cover. Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender.

4. Thicken the broth.

Whisk the milk and flour into a slurry, then pour it into the soup and stir.

Continue to stir and bring the mixture to a boil. It should thicken in about 2 minutes.

5. Add the chicken, serve, and enjoy.

Add the precooked chicken chunks and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Then, ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

I know this recipe is super simple, but here are some tips to ensure success:

• Use leftover rice to speed things up. Just add it to the pot in the last few minutes of cooking. Keep in mind that any rice flavor will seep into the soup, so it’s best to use plain or herbed rice.

• Speed things up with leftover roasted chicken. Simply shred it and add it to the soup in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

• Feel free to adjust the amount of rice based on how thick you like your soups. Use less if you want a thinner soup and more if you prefer it rich and creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this soup healthy?

Well, consider its components. It contains vegetables, protein, grains, and fats.

So, essentially, it has all the essential nutrients your body needs to function properly!

That said, it contains evaporated milk, which is high in fat. But overall, it’s pretty healthy.

Can I make it even healthier?

Absolutely. Just swap out the white rice for brown rice, and you’ll have an even healthier meal.

Keep in mind that brown rice absorbs more liquid and takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the liquid ingredients and cooking time accordingly.

Also, you can omit the evaporated milk or replace it with something healthier, like skim milk or a dairy-free alternative.

While it won’t be as thick, it will be healthier.

And if you’re gluten-free, use arrowroot flour instead of all-purpose flour, and you’re good to go.

Should I cook the rice before adding it to the soup?

No. It’s important to cook the rice in the broth to absorb all the flavors.

That said, you can speed up the cooking time and use leftover rice if you prefer.

What can I serve with chicken and rice soup?

You can’t go wrong with crusty bread on the side of any soup! But I also like garlic bread and soft rolls.

Or, if you prefer a light contrast to the rich and heavy soup, make a quick and refreshing salad.

The soup already contains chicken, but for an extra dose of protein, pair it with buttered mushrooms.

How can I thicken chicken and rice soup?

I doubt you’ll encounter this problem because the rice in the soup absorbs liquid very well.

And you’ll be adding flour to the mixture, which thickens during cooking.

But if you want it even thicker, add another tablespoon of flour – no more than that, as it will affect the flavor.

Can I freeze chicken and rice soup?

Unfortunately, no. This soup contains milk in the broth, which will separate once frozen and thawed.

Plus, rice doesn’t always freeze well. So it’s best to store and consume it fresh.

What variations can I make with this soup?

• Add more substance with vegetables like potatoes, peas, and corn or chopped green veggies like kale, cabbage, or spinach.
• For a more flavorful soup, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Experiment with spices and seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, thyme, turmeric, or cayenne pepper.
• Make it richer with grated parmesan or sharp cheddar.

How to Store Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Let the leftovers cool completely at room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container, and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.

Keep in mind that the longer the soup sits, the thicker it becomes because the rice will continue to absorb the broth over time.

So, you’ll need to add a bit of liquid when reheating, such as broth or milk.

Note: Because it contains milk and rice, this soup doesn’t freeze well.