How do I make creamy chicken and rice soup from scratch?

To make creamy chicken and rice soup from scratch, start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot with butter or oil until soft. Add diced chicken breast and cook until lightly browned. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in cooked rice and simmer until heated through. To make it creamy, whisk together milk or cream with a little flour, then slowly add it to the soup while stirring. Cook for a few more minutes until the soup thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley for best flavor.

What type of rice works best in creamy chicken and rice soup?

Medium-grain or long-grain white rice is best for creamy chicken and rice soup because it holds its shape well and absorbs flavors without becoming mushy. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice varieties, which can break down too much during simmering. Some cooks prefer using jasmine or basmati rice for a subtle aroma. Cooking the rice separately before adding it to the soup helps maintain a good texture and prevents overcooking.

Can I make creamy chicken and rice soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make creamy chicken and rice soup in a slow cooker. Start by adding chopped vegetables, raw diced chicken, uncooked rice, and chicken broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. To prevent curdling, stir in cream or milk during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking. Adding dairy too early in the slow cooker risks separation. Season the soup before serving and garnish with fresh herbs for extra flavor.

How can I make creamy chicken and rice soup healthier?

To make creamy chicken and rice soup healthier, use low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and fat. Substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa for higher fiber and nutrients, though cooking times may vary. Reduce salt by using low-sodium chicken broth and fresh herbs for flavor. Load up on vegetables like spinach, peas, or zucchini to increase vitamins and minerals, making the soup both nutritious and filling.

How long can I store leftover creamy chicken and rice soup?

Leftover creamy chicken and rice soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Because it contains dairy and cooked rice, it’s important to reheat it thoroughly before consuming. Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months, but the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, reheat slowly and add a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens too much.

Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe For Cozy Comfort

Name: Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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 jasmine rice; – 1 cup heavy or whipping cream; – 1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces or strips; – Salt and pepper to taste

Description

🍲 This creamy chicken and rice soup is a wholesome, comforting dish perfect for chilly days.
🥄 Packed with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and rich cream, it’s a satisfying meal any time of day.

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 jasmine rice

– 1 cup heavy or whipping cream

– 1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces or strips

– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1-Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 stick celery chopped finely, 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped finely, and 1/2 medium onion chopped; sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften up.

2-Next, stir in 3 cloves garlic minced and 3 tablespoons flour; cook for about one minute to bring out the flavors. Slowly pour in 4 cups chicken broth while stirring constantly, scraping up any browned bits from the pot bottom until the flour dissolves completely.

3-Add 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 3/4 cup uncooked jasmine rice, and 1 cup heavy or whipping cream. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Stir well, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.

4-Add 1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces or strips. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

5-Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Your soup is now ready to serve!

Notes

🍚 To prevent rice from absorbing too much broth during storage, cook rice separately and add before serving.
🐔 Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken to save time, adding it near the end of cooking.
🥛 Avoid low-fat cream substitutes to keep soup creamy and prevent curdling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup, Comfort Food
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 to 1.5 cups
Calories: 548 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 1046 mg
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 154 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken soup, chicken and rice soup, comfort food soup, cozy soup