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Cozy One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup (Best Easy Dinner)

creamy chicken and rice soup - featured image

A comforting one-pot creamy chicken and rice soup that comes together in about 45 minutes. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a velvety broth make this the ultimate cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • ½ cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and onions are translucent.
  2. Add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring they are submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  5. Remove the chicken from the pot and let rest for 5 minutes. Shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  6. Stir in the uncooked rice while the broth is simmering. Cover and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.
  7. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. If using frozen peas, stir them in now. Warm through for 2 to 3 minutes without boiling.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
  10. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

If the soup thickens too much after sitting, stir in a splash of warm broth or water when reheating. For best results, use room temperature cream and season in layers. Don’t let the soup boil after adding the cream to prevent curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken and rice soup, one-pot chicken soup, easy chicken soup, comfort food, fall soup, winter soup