Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup combines tender bites of cooked chicken, vegetables, and rice in a rich, delicious broth. Make it for dinner tonight!

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Weeknights can be very hectic at times with appointments and after school activities. So, we love to have some quick-to-prepare meals in our go-to recipe collection. This Creamy Chicken and Rice soup recipe includes a few easy shortcuts so you can have dinner on the table in no time!

First, we used a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket. It provides plenty of flavor and saves so much extra effort in the kitchen.

Then, there is the rice – we cook it separately while working on the rest of the dish, then stir it in just before serving.

These two simple steps save on so much prep – which means less time in the kitchen and more on helping kids with homework, or getting ready for evening activities.

Why you’ll love Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup!

•             This recipe doesn’t include any “cream of” canned soups.

•             It’s ready in just about 30 minutes.

•             This chicken soup recipe can easily be doubled for large families, or to have as leftovers the next day.

Chef’s Tip – Save even more time by cooking the rice ahead of time. Or, if you have leftover rice in the fridge, use that.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

•             Chicken – We like to use a rotisserie chicken from the store to save time in the kitchen. You can certainly roast your own, but a few breasts or thighs work just as well – even leftovers from another recipe! Aim for about a pound total, or three cups of diced cooked meat.

•             Rice – Any long-grain variety of cooked rice will do just fine in this recipe. Jasmine has a buttery, nutty fragrance that tastes delicious with the other ingredients. You could also use basmati or a plain long grain white rice instead. If you want even more convenience, cook up a boil-in-a-bag rice.

•             Stock – If you have homemade chicken stock on hand, we highly recommend using that for loads of rich flavor. Otherwise, grab a carton of your favorite from the store – preferably low sodium so you can salt to taste.

•             Herbs – Fresh parsley adds a fresh, mild flavor, while dried thyme packs a punch. Oregano or basil would also be a delicious alternative for the parsley if you want to change up the flavor profile.

•             Peas – Thaw frozen peas. Or, substitute thawed mixed vegetables or cut green beans instead.

Chef’s Tip – Adjust the amount of rice depending on how you like your soup – use less If you prefer your soup with lots of broth. Use more rice to make a thick and hearty soup.

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How do I make Creamy Chicken and Rice soup?

1. Cook the rice according to package directions. While the rice cooks, you can begin the other steps below.
2. Remove all of the meat from the bones and chop into small, bite-sized pieces or shred.
3. Saute the vegetables in melted butter and seasonings and saute for five minutes. Add the flour and stir to combine, cooking for a few more minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Stir in the chicken stock and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add cooked chicken, peas, and cream, heating just enough to warm through. (Don’t let the soup boil after this point.)
6. Add the cooked rice and season the soup to taste – adding more salt if needed.
7. Serve with dinner rolls or a crusty loaf of garlic bread.

Chef’s Tip – Note that the cooked rice grains will absorb some of the broth once combined. If you reheat any leftovers the next day, you may need more stock or cream to thin the soup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Creamy Chicken Rice Soup last in the refrigerator? It should be fine for up to 3 days, but be aware that the texture of the grains will continue to soften the longer it sits.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Warm the soup in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding additional liquid as needed. Or, heat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze chicken and rice soup?  We wouldn’t recommend it – dairy often separates when it is frozen and thawed, plus the rice grains will become mushy.

How do you keep rice from getting soggy in soup? Cook it completely in a separate pot, then add it right at the end so it doesn’t have time to absorb more liquid.

Is there a non-creamy version of this chicken and rice soup recipe? Feel free to leave out the cream at the end if you prefer. We still recommend including the flour so the consistency of the soup isn’t too thin.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Simply replace the flour with arrowroot powder or a gluten-free one-to-one alternative such as Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur brands. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten-free.

You may enjoy these other Chicken Soup recipes:

• Flu Chaser Chicken Soup
• Chicken Noodle Soup (New York Penicillin)
• Chicken Corn Chowder
• Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
• Chicken Mulligatawny Soup

This post originally appeared on A Family Feast in September 2014.

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