Creamy Chicken Rice Soup (Printer-friendly)
Tender chicken and rice in a silky cream broth with carrots, celery, and thyme, a comforting bowl for chilly 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
# How to Make It:
01 - Melt unsalted butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Evenly sprinkle all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux.
03 - Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring a smooth consistency. Add bay leaf and dried thyme to the pot.
04 - Stir in the uncooked white rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 15 to 18 minutes, until rice is nearly tender.
05 - Stir in cooked chicken, whole milk, and heavy cream. Gently simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and the rice to fully cook.
06 - Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 - Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This soup feels like a secret shortcut to comfort even on your most hectic days
- I reach for it whenever I want a hearty dinner that everyone actually gets excited about
02 -
- If you add the milk and cream too fast or boil, it can split — always simmer gently
- Switching to cornstarch for the roux totally saves the day if you need it gluten-free
03 -
- Sauté the veggies longer for extra depth – they’re truly the flavor base
- Rotisserie chicken adds an unbeatable layer of savory richness