Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting bowl of goodness that warms the soul. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying. The blend of tender chicken, soft rice, and creamy broth makes it a family favorite. Plus, it’s simple to prepare!
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 10 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 20 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp minced fresh garlic
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon seasoning
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 small bay leaves
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
Directions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the cream of chicken soup. Stir to combine.
- Add the rice, thyme, bay leaves, chicken bouillon, salt, pepper, and turmeric.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Serve hot in bowls and garnish with extra parsley if you like. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
How to Store Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just remember, the texture might change slightly after freezing, so it may be best to enjoy the fresh version.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- For extra flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or corn for added nutrition.
- If you like your soup thicker, reduce the amount of broth or add more cream.
Variation
You can easily turn this recipe into a hearty vegetable soup by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like potatoes or zucchini.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can combine all the ingredients (except for the cream) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cream just before serving.
3. Is this soup gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
