Creamy Chicken Rice Soup (Printable)
Velvety chicken and rice with sautéed vegetables in a rich, creamy broth—ideal for cozy nights.
# What You 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 Cook:
01 - Melt the unsalted butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
02 - Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened vegetables and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture forms a pale roux.
03 - Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps from forming. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme, continuing to stir.
04 - Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the pot and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 15 to 18 minutes, until the rice is almost tender.
05 - Add the cooked chicken, whole milk, and heavy cream. Continue to simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, until the soup thickens and the rice is fully cooked.
06 - Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The silky broth clings to every bite of chicken and rice like a cozy secret.
- This soup transformed my leftovers into a weeknight ritual packed with gentle flavor.
02 -
- If you rush the roux, you end up with gritty soup—slow down and let the flour cook out fully.
- Adding milk too quickly or over heat that’s too high risks curdling; gentle heat is crucial here.
03 -
- Letting the soup rest a few minutes before serving thickens it even more and improves the flavor.
- Freshly cracked black pepper on top just before serving adds a subtle pop that elevates each spoonful.