Description
A comforting, restaurant-style creamy chicken and rice soup that’s rich, hearty, and perfect for cozy meals. Made with tender chicken, soft rice, and a creamy broth, it’s easy to make at home and customizable with rotisserie chicken, wild rice, or a touch of milk or cream for extra richness.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 6–8):
For the Soup:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
1 cup long-grain white rice or wild rice, uncooked
1 ½ cups milk (or evaporated milk for richer soup)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Optional: ½ cup heavy cream for extra creaminess
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Broth
Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Add uncooked rice to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 18–20 minutes (or until rice is tender).
Step 4: Make it Creamy
In a small bowl, whisk flour into milk until smooth. Slowly stir into the soup. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. For extra richness, add cream here.
Step 5: Add Chicken
Stir in shredded chicken. Cook for another 5 minutes to heat through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- Shortcut: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Rice Options: Wild rice adds nutty flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead: Soup can be made a day in advance; reheat gently on the stove.
- Extra Creamy: Replace half the milk with heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup / Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop / Simmered
- Cuisine: American