Soups are the ultimate comfort food, and combining creamy chicken with the heartiness of rice makes for an incredibly satisfying meal. If you're looking to broaden your culinary horizons or simply have a craving for something warm and delicious, here are five creamy chicken and rice soup recipes that will make you want to keep a pot simmering on the stove all winter long.
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Start your soup adventure with this rich and comforting Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup. This recipe is not just about flavor; it also packs a punch of nutrition with wild rice, which is high in protein, fiber, and various minerals.
- 2 cups of cooked wild rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the chicken in the broth, shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces. Add all ingredients except cream, simmer for an hour, and then stir in cream before serving. The result is a thick, creamy soup with delightful textures from the wild rice.
🍲 Note: Wild rice takes longer to cook than other varieties, so pre-cooking it can help save time.
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
If you’re a fan of quick and easy recipes, the Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is for you. With the Instant Pot, you can have this heartwarming dish ready in less than an hour.
- 1 ½ cups of white rice
- 3 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Sauté the onions and chicken in olive oil, add the rest of the ingredients except cream, seal and cook under high pressure for 22 minutes. Stir in the cream at the end for creaminess.
Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup
Want to come home to the aroma of soup ready to be devoured? This Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup is a fantastic make-ahead dish with a touch of citrus brightness.
- 2 cups of white or jasmine rice
- 3 chicken thighs, bone-in
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Combine all ingredients except cream in the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, shred the chicken, then stir in cream and lemon zest before serving. Garnish with dill or parsley.
🍋 Note: Do not cook the rice in the slow cooker to prevent it from becoming mushy; cook it separately or add it towards the end of the cooking time.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Soup
For a wholesome twist, try this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Soup, which adds vibrant green broccoli to the mix for extra nutrition and color.
- 1 ½ cups of long-grain white rice
- 4 cups of broccoli florets
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional for a cheesy twist)
Cook the rice and broccoli together until tender, add to the soup pot with broth, chicken, and spices. Simmer, stir in cream, and finish with cheese if desired.
Curried Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Expand your soup palate with Curried Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, where curry spices add a depth of flavor, warming up your palate with every spoonful.
- 1 ½ cups of basmati or jasmine rice
- 4 chicken thighs, cooked and shredded
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of curry powder
- 1 cup of chopped red bell peppers
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
Simmer the rice and vegetables in broth, add curry powder and turmeric for spice, then stir in coconut milk for creaminess.
🍛 Note: Adjust the curry powder to your taste; it can be made milder or spicier as you wish.
These creamy chicken and rice soup recipes offer a delightful variation in textures and flavors, ensuring there's something for every palate. Whether you're cooking for a cozy night in or need a comforting meal for the whole family, these recipes can be easily adapted to suit dietary needs or time constraints. Each recipe celebrates the essence of comfort food, bringing warmth and satisfaction with each spoonful. Enjoy exploring these soups, and remember, the joy of cooking is as much in the eating as in the creation of delicious dishes.
Can I make these soups with leftover chicken?
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Absolutely! Leftover chicken can be shredded or cubed and added to any of these soups. Just add it towards the end of cooking so it warms through without overcooking.
How can I make these soups vegetarian?
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To make these soups vegetarian, replace the chicken with plant-based proteins like chickpeas, tofu, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I freeze these soups?
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Yes, these soups can be frozen, although soups with cream might separate a bit upon thawing. Stir well when reheating, and the flavor will still be great.
