Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

This creamy chicken and rice soup is a comforting, hearty dish made with tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy broth. Perfect for a cold day, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken breasts, carrots, celery, garlic, and Italian seasoning, all simmered together to create a rich, flavorful soup. The combination of creamy heavy cream and rice makes for a filling and satisfying meal. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe can be made in one pot and is perfect for meal prep or freezing for later. It’s a family-friendly recipe that everyone will love, and it’s easily customizable with different vegetables or seasonings.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 stick celery, chopped finely
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped finely
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3/4 cup uncooked white jasmine rice
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 pound uncooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces or strips
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrots, and onion, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and flour, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Gradually pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and stir until the flour has fully dissolved.
4. Add Italian seasoning, rice, and heavy cream to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot slightly ajar. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot.
5. Add the chicken pieces to the soup and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the chicken and rice are fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. If the soup becomes too thick, add additional chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. For leftovers, you may need to add more broth, as the rice absorbs much of the liquid. For best results, cook rice separately if you plan on storing leftovers and add rice to individual servings before eating.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken and rice soup is a comforting, filling dish that’s perfect for cozy meals. The combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and creamy broth makes it irresistible. It’s simple to make and full of rich, satisfying flavors, ideal for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. The creamy texture paired with the soft rice makes every spoonful a delightful experience.

Tips

• If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more flour when creating the roux.
• For extra creaminess, substitute some of the chicken broth with half-and-half or more heavy cream.
• Stir occasionally while simmering to avoid the rice sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• You can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch for meal prep or for guests.

Variations and Substitutions

• Rice: While jasmine rice is a great option, you can substitute it with basmati, white rice, or brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time for brown rice as it takes longer to cook.
• Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breasts for a quicker version.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables like peas, corn, or potatoes for more variety and flavor.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative and use a dairy-free broth.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?
  Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It may thicken as it sits, so simply add more broth when reheating to restore the desired consistency.
• Can I freeze this soup?
  Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 2-3 months. Be aware that the texture of the rice may change after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will remain delicious.
• How do I avoid rice from becoming mushy in the soup?
  To avoid overcooking the rice, monitor the simmering time carefully and be prepared to add extra broth if needed. Alternatively, cook the rice separately and add it to the soup just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken and rice soup with a warm crusty bread for dipping or a simple side salad. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a hearty dinner, especially on chilly days. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme.