Description
A deeply comforting and nourishing Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup recipe made with simple ingredients. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2–3 medium carrots, chopped
- 2–3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 cup whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- (Optional) 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- (Optional) 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. If using raw chicken, poach in water or broth until cooked through (15-20 minutes). Shred or dice the chicken. Set aside.
- 2. Melt butter or heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- 5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any bits. Bring to a simmer.
- 6. Stir in uncooked rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- 7. Add shredded/diced chicken and milk/cream. Heat gently, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Do not boil rapidly.
- 8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using thyme or bay leaf, add during step 6 and remove bay leaf before serving. Stir in fresh herbs for garnish.
Notes
Allow soup to cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk/cream if needed to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g