If you are craving something warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe (Easy & Cozy) Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for cold winter evenings or when you need that gentle reminder of home-cooked love after the holiday rush. Rich and velvety, with tender chicken, tender rice, and a creamy broth, this soup is both simple to make and incredibly rewarding with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward and wholesome ingredients, each playing an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and heartwarming color. These pantry staples come together to make a soup that feels elegant but is incredibly easy to prepare.
- Chicken breast: The star protein that stays tender and juicy, delivering that satisfying meaty bite.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed, creating a flavorful base.
- Garlic: Provides a fragrant aroma and a punch of savory goodness.
- Carrots: Bring a natural sweetness and lovely color contrast to the soup.
- Celery: Adds a gentle crunch and fresh earthy notes.
- Rice: The heart of the soup, offering comforting texture and body.
- Chicken broth: Creates a savory, rich foundation for the soup’s flavor.
- Cream: Makes the broth silky smooth and indulgently creamy.
- Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables, adding richness and enhancing flavors.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe (Easy & Cozy) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sautéing gently until they become soft and release those amazing natural fragrances. This initial step builds the backbone of flavor that makes the soup so irresistibly cozy.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, toss in diced chicken breast pieces. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they turn lightly golden on all sides. This not only seals in their juices but also adds a subtle caramelized flavor that will elevate the whole dish.
Step 3: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This warms up all the ingredients and blends the flavors beautifully. It’s the moment when all those cozy soup dreams start to take shape.
Step 4: Add Rice and Cook Until Tender
Stir in the rice, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently. The rice will soak up all that lovely broth, tenderizing perfectly as it cooks. Be patient here, as this stage makes the soup hearty and filling.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Season
Once the rice is tender and the chicken fully cooked, gently stir in the cream. This step transforms the soup from comforting to decadently creamy. Season it properly with salt and pepper, tasting as you go, to ensure every spoonful bursts with balanced flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe (Easy & Cozy) Recipe
Garnishes
Although this soup is delicious as is, adding fresh garnishes like finely chopped parsley, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, or a small drizzle of olive oil can brighten up the flavors and give every serving a fresh, inviting touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your bowl of this creamy chicken and rice soup with crusty garlic bread, a simple mixed green salad, or even a light fruit salad. These sides complement the soup without overpowering it, making your meal balanced and perfectly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the soup in a rustic bread bowl for an authentic and fun presentation, especially when entertaining guests. You can also top the soup with a handful of grated Parmesan or a swirl of herb-infused oil for an elevated dining experience without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cream-rich soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent the flavors from mingling with other foods.
Freezing
While the soup is delightful fresh, freezing is possible if you want to save it for later. Keep in mind that cream-based soups can sometimes separate after freezing, so it’s best to freeze before adding cream. When reheating, add cream freshly to restore the smooth, luscious texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the soup if it has thickened. Always re-season to taste after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a bit more chew, but it requires a longer cooking time. You may want to precook the brown rice separately before adding it to the soup to ensure perfect tenderness.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, swap the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. The soup will remain creamy and delicious with these substitutions.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?
Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Add shredded cooked chicken toward the end of cooking just to warm it through, reducing overall cooking time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy but not too thick — think of it as a comforting bowl of broth with tender bites of chicken and rice floating in a luscious, smooth liquid. If it becomes too thick, simply add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
What herbs or spices can I add to customize flavors?
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves work wonderfully during cooking for added aroma. For a little kick, a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can enrich the soup’s flavor profile. Feel free to experiment according to your tastes!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you find this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe (Easy & Cozy) Recipe as comforting and delightful as I do. It’s one of those go-to dishes that warms the soul and fills the belly with simple, honest goodness. Whether you are winding down after a busy day or seeking a reliable recipe to impress, this soup has you covered. Give it a try and let the cozy vibes wash over you!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe (Easy & Cozy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken and rice soup is a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly winter evenings and soothing post-holiday cravings. It features tender chicken breast, aromatic vegetables, and hearty rice all simmered in a rich, creamy broth that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 cups chicken breast, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are lightly golden on all sides and mostly cooked through.
- Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Add Rice and Simmer: Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Finish with Cream and Season: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and serve hot for a cozy, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- For added flavor, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme before serving.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase simmering time to about 40-45 minutes until tender.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
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