Let me tell you, there’s something truly special about a warm bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup. It’s like a big hug on a chilly day! I remember the first time I made this soup; I was feeling under the weather and needed something comforting. As soon as that rich aroma filled my kitchen, I felt a wave of warmth wash over me. It’s creamy, it’s hearty, and it just hits the spot every single time. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight or when you just want to treat yourself. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to comfort food, too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this creamy chicken and rice soup absolutely delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds a lovely richness to the base.
- 1 onion, chopped: For that aromatic foundation—don’t skimp on it!
- 2 carrots, diced: These bring sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Essential for that classic soup flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded: You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut!
- 1 cup cooked rice: Adds heartiness; I love using leftover rice!
- 4 cups chicken broth: The soul of this soup, so choose a good quality broth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes it creamy and luxurious.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: A sprinkle of this herb elevates the flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your preference!
How to Prepare Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Making this creamy chicken and rice soup is a breeze, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar by the end! Let’s dive into the step-by-step process so you can enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and hot but not smoking—just enough to get those flavors dancing!
- Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté everything for about 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and fragrant. Oh, the smell is divine!
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to burn it; garlic can go from delicious to bitter in a flash!
- Now, toss in your shredded chicken and cooked rice. Mix everything well so those flavors combine beautifully.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens, so let it bubble away for about 5 minutes.
- Time to add the star of the show—pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the thyme. Stir it all together and season with salt and pepper to taste. You’ll want to taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed!
- Let it cook for another 5 minutes, just to heat through. Then, serve it hot and enjoy every creamy, comforting spoonful!
Nutritional Information
Before we dig in, let’s chat about the nutritional info for this creamy chicken and rice soup. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general idea of what you’re getting in each comforting bowl:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
This hearty soup is packed with protein and flavor, making it a delightful addition to your meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, comforting flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Hearty and filling, with protein from the chicken and fiber from the veggies.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs or veggies for a personal touch.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, perfect for meal prepping!
Tips for Success
To make your creamy chicken and rice soup absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t skip sautéing the veggies; it really enhances their flavor. Make sure to cook them until they’re tender—this step is crucial for a delicious base. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces for better texture. Also, when adding the heavy cream, do it over low heat to prevent it from curdling. And remember, taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning is key to making the flavors pop. Lastly, if you prefer a thicker soup, just let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. Trust me, these little tweaks can take your soup from good to outstanding!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to customize your creamy chicken and rice soup to make it your own! If you’re in the mood for a little extra color and nutrition, toss in some fresh spinach or kale right before serving. For a flavor twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice or some zest for brightness. You could also swap out the chicken for turkey or even go vegetarian by using chickpeas as a protein source. Feeling adventurous? Add some diced jalapeños for a kick or stir in some curry powder for a warm, exotic flair. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover creamy chicken and rice soup is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, don’t worry! Just add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to bring it back to that creamy consistency. Enjoy your cozy bowl again!
Serving Suggestions
Pairing your creamy chicken and rice soup with the right sides can elevate your meal experience! I love serving it alongside a warm, crusty baguette or some buttery garlic bread for dipping. A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the soup beautifully. And don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to brighten everything up. These little touches make a big difference!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Chicken Pasta or Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
For nutritional information on chicken soup, you can refer to Healthline.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting creamy chicken and rice soup that warms you up.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add shredded chicken and cooked rice.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add spinach for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: creamy chicken and rice soup, chicken soup, comfort food
