Creamy Chicken Rice Soup (Printable Version)
Velvety chicken and rice in a creamy broth with sautéed vegetables — warm, hearty comfort for busy nights.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Grains
06 - 1/2 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Liquids
07 - 4 cups chicken broth
08 - 2 cups whole milk
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Fats
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Thickeners
14 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
# Directions:
01 - In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until a smooth roux forms.
03 - Gradually whisk in chicken broth to prevent lumps. Add bay leaf and thyme, stirring to combine.
04 - Stir in uncooked rice. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 15 to 18 minutes or until rice is nearly tender.
05 - Add cooked chicken, whole milk, and heavy cream to the pot. Simmer gently for another 8 to 10 minutes until soup thickens and rice is fully cooked.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- This soup has a silky, rich texture that feels indulgent but is secretly simple to whip up.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it the ultimate cozy meal prep.
02 -
- If you rush adding the broth before the roux is fully cooked, the soup can turn a bit gritty.
- Letting the rice simmer until almost, but not fully, tender prevents it from getting overcooked and mushy.
03 -
- Whisk the liquid in slowly and patiently to prevent lumps—resist the urge to rush this step.
- Reserve a few tablespoons of cream to drizzle on just before serving for an elegant finish.