60 minutes
6 servings
Easy
CALORIES (PER SERVING)
250 kcal
Creamy Chicken Soup is that dish that hugs the soul on cold days or when the flu knocks at the door, evoking memories of care and family affection. Nothing like a warm, nutritious broth to restore your strength. In this recipe, we prepare a simple creamy chicken soup with shredded chicken, rice, and fresh vegetables, ready in just 60 minutes and yielding 6 generous servings. Easy and tested, it guarantees success in the kitchen!
Creamy Chicken Soup – Today we’re making creamy and comforting chicken soup for 6 servings in 60 minutes. With shredded chicken, absorbent rice, and fresh vegetables like carrot and potato, it results in nutritious broth perfect for cold days or flu. Irresistible homemade flavor. Ready to make?
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Soup
- Half tablespoon of oil (7.5ml) – To sauté the initial ingredients and enhance flavors.Substitution: Extra virgin olive oil.
- 1 medium chopped onion (150g) – Aromatic base that gives depth to the broth.
- 1 chopped celery stalk (50g) – Adds subtle crunch and vegetal freshness.
- 1 whole chicken breast (about 500g) – Main protein source, shredded for perfect texture.Substitution: Boneless thighs for more juiciness.
- 2 medium peeled and seeded tomatoes (optional, 200g) – Contributes acidity and natural moisture to the broth.
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes – Intensifies the classic chicken flavor conveniently.
- 2 chopped carrots (200g) – Natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 2 medium chopped potatoes (300g) – Slightly thickens the broth and adds creaminess.Substitution: Parsnip for milder flavor.
- 1 cup washed and drained rice (180g) – Absorbs flavors and gives body to the chicken soup.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (10g) – Finishes with fresh aroma and vibrant green color.
Utensils for Making Creamy Chicken Soup
Organizing utensils before starting ensures smooth preparation of the chicken soup, avoiding interruptions and keeping the kitchen clean and organized.
- Large pot (minimum 4L)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Forks or utensils for shredding
- Strainer or colander (optional)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Soup
- Sauté the aromatic base: Place the pot over medium heat and heat the oil for 1 minute. Add the chopped onion and celery stalk, stirring constantly for 3 to 5 minutes until soft and fragrant, without browning too much. This step releases essential oils, creating the flavorful foundation for the chicken soup.
- Add the chicken: Add the whole chicken breast and turn it on all sides, allowing it to lightly brown for about 5 minutes. The browning seals in the juices, intensifying the flavor and preventing it from drying out during prolonged cooking.
- Add the tomatoes: Add the prepared tomatoes (optional) and cook for another 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften and release their natural juice. This adds balanced acidity and naturally thickens the future broth.
- Prepare the main broth: Pour in exactly 1.5 liters of cold water, along with the 3 crumbled chicken bouillon cubes, chopped carrots, and potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat for 2 minutes, then reduce to medium and cook covered for 15 minutes. The vegetables should be al dente, soft but firm, absorbing the aromas.
- Incorporate the rice: Add the washed rice, lower the heat to minimum, and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the grains are cooked and release starch, thickening the broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom; the ideal point is when the rice is tender but whole.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the breast with a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate, and let cool for 2 minutes. Shred with forks into thick strands, discarding any bones or cartilage. This rustic texture distributes the protein evenly.
- Finish and serve: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, heat for 2 minutes over low heat, taste, and adjust salt if needed. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Serve hot in bowls, ideal for 6 generous servings completing the total 60 minutes.
Nutritional Information for Creamy Chicken Soup
The values below are approximate estimates per serving, calculated based on official food composition tables (such as TACO/TBCA/USDA) and may vary depending on ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Quantity per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Proteins | 18 g |
| Total Fats | 5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Macronutrient Distribution per Serving
Data Source: Values calculated based on recipe quantities, using TBCA for vegetables and chicken and USDA FoodData Central for rice and bouillon. *% Daily Values for 2000 kcal diet.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Soup
These tips will elevate your chicken soup to a professional level, avoiding common mistakes and ensuring ideal flavor and texture in every comforting spoonful.
- Sauté the base intensely: Take extra time to brown onion, celery, and chicken before adding water. This caramelization releases deep flavors, transforming the broth into something unforgettable and avoiding a watery taste.
- Control the rice: It releases natural starch that thickens everything; add gradually and stir for creamy consistency without lumps. For lighter version, use long-grain rice or reduce to ¾ cup.
- Low heat is key: After rice, keep flame minimum for exactly 15 minutes. This allows perfect flavor absorption, leaving grains soft and broth thickened without burning.
- Shred hot always: Remove chicken right after initial cooking and shred immediately. Strands stay juicy and integrate better, avoiding dry pieces.
- Vegetables at the right point: Cut into uniform 1cm cubes for even cooking in 15 minutes. Carrot and potato keep subtle crunch, contrasting the overall creaminess.
- Gradual seasoning adjustment: Taste after vegetables and rice; add salt only at the end. Bouillon cubes already flavor, avoiding excess sodium that masks natural flavors.
- Essential rest: After sprinkling parsley, cover off heat for 5 minutes. Vapors finish cooking, intensifying aromas and making the soup even more comforting.
- Avoid high boil: Strong heat after water separates unwanted fats; medium-low preserves clarity and purity of classic broth.
Creamy Chicken Soup Variations
The basic structure of chicken soup allows creative adaptations for different tastes, occasions, or dietary restrictions, maintaining the comforting essence of the traditional dish in all cases.
- Vegetarian version: Swap chicken breast for thick-sliced portobello mushrooms, which release similar umami, cooking in the same time for an umami-rich, light broth.
- Healthy low-carb: Halve the rice or use grated cauliflower instead, preserving volume and satiety while lowering carbs for controlled diets.
- Spicy Tex-Mex: Add 1 chopped jalapeño in initial sauté and corn with vegetables, turning it into a vibrant Mexican variation.
- Super protein: Include thin-sliced calabresa sausage after chicken, cooking extra 5 minutes to infuse smoky flavor and boost proteins.
- Summer chilled version: Make double broth, strain and freeze; serve chilled with lime and cilantro, refreshing for hot days while keeping essence.
- With more vegetables: Add zucchini and green beans to enrich fiber, cutting into identical cubes to original for harmonious cooking and extra color.
Ingredient Tips for Creamy Chicken Soup
Choosing fresh ingredients is key for authentic and nutritious chicken soup, ensuring intense flavors and health benefits. Prefer skinless chicken to reduce fats, organic vegetables for more vitamins, and fresh herbs that enhance natural aroma. Substitutions like parsnip for potato maintain creaminess without altering balance.
The dish offers lean proteins from chicken for muscle recovery, sustained carbs from rice, and fiber from vegetables promoting healthy digestion, ideal for light and comforting meals like this classic chicken soup.
- Fresh skinless chicken: Superior lean protein source; look for firm, pink breast meat from trusted butchers for pure flavor and fewer calories.
- Organic carrots and potatoes: Cut uniformly, they absorb seasonings; choose firm without sprouts for perfect texture and preserved vitamins.
Now that your chicken soup is ready, serve it piping hot in individual bowls, accompanied by crusty bread slices or toast to dip in the comforting broth. The aromatic steam fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to the table for a cozy moment. Perfect for cold days, flu recovery, or family dinners, this simple recipe brings traditional comfort with personalized touches. With fresh ingredients and careful preparation, you’re guaranteed juicy and flavorful results every time.
For a complete meal, try our Can I substitute celery for another ingredient?
Yes, you can swap celery for common celery or chopped leeks in the same amount, maintaining vegetal freshness in the initial sauté. This preserves the aromatic base without changing prep time. The result remains balanced and tasty.
How to shred chicken easily?
Remove the hot breast from the pot and use two forks to pull strands in opposite directions while still warm, making the process easy. Break into thick pieces for better distribution in the broth. Avoid waiting to cool completely to keep juiciness.
How many servings does it yield and can I double it?
This recipe yields exactly 6 generous servings, perfect for a family. To double, multiply all ingredients by 2 and use a larger pot, keeping total 60 minutes. Adjust to low heat for even cooking.
Can I freeze the chicken soup? How?
Yes, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months in airtight containers. Thaw in fridge for 8-12 hours before reheating over low heat stirring. Avoid microwave to preserve rice texture.
Why does the broth thicken so much and how to control?
Rice releases natural starch during cooking, giving creaminess in about 15 minutes on low heat. Add gradually or use long-grain for lighter consistency. Stir occasionally for even distribution.
Suitable for diabetes or restricted diet?
Yes, adapt by halving rice or swapping for whole quinoa, lowering carbs. Lean chicken and vegetables keep nutrients without spiking glucose excessively. Consult nutritionist for personalized portions.
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