Cozy Creamy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Soup Recipe for Comfort

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this hearty chicken broccoli and rice soup that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Tender chicken chunks swim alongside vibrant green broccoli florets in a rich, velvety base.

Perfectly cooked rice adds delightful texture and substance to each bite.

The soup balances creamy smoothness with robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this one-pot wonder that comes together effortlessly.

Home cooks and soup lovers will adore how quickly this meal satisfies deep hunger and warms the soul.

Let’s find out this delectable recipe and let its comforting embrace transform your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Soup Ingredients

• Boneless Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh, plump chicken breasts with a firm texture and minimal discoloration for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Grated Parmesan Cheese: Select high-quality, aged cheeses that melt smoothly and add rich, tangy depth to the soup.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a robust, fruity base that enhances the overall cooking process.
• Onion: Pick a firm, glossy onion that provides a sweet, foundational flavor to the soup.
• Garlic: Select fresh, firm garlic cloves with no green sprouts for the most intense and authentic taste.
• Dried Thyme: Look for vibrant, fragrant dried thyme that adds an earthy, herbaceous note to the dish.
• Salt, Fresh Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt to elevate and balance the soup's flavors.
• Fresh Chopped Parsley: Choose bright green, crisp parsley for a fresh, final garnish with a pop of color.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for controlled seasoning and rich, smooth texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Select a high-quality flour to create a silky, thickening roux.
• Milk: Opt for whole milk to ensure a creamy, luxurious consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control the salt level and enhance the soup's natural flavors.
• White Rice: Select long-grain white rice for perfect texture and absorption.

Tools for Making Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

• Dutch oven or soup pot: Large, deep cooking vessel perfect for making soups and one-pot meals.
• Cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables and slicing chicken safely.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise cutting of ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Ensures correct liquid and rice measurements.
• Cheese grater: Needed for shredding cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
• Ladle: Helps serve the soup evenly into bowls.

How to Cook Broccoli Chicken Rice Soup That’s Rich and Filling

• Kitchen Setup Creating a cozy cooking environment with a large pot ready for delicious magic.
• Chicken Preparation seasoning chicken with simple salt and pepper, then cooking until golden and perfectly tender.
• Vegetable Foundation carefully sautéing onions, carrots, and garlic to build deep flavor layers with gentle herbs and a touch of butter.
• Liquid Magic slowly blending milk, broth, and water to create a silky smooth soup base that will hug your taste buds.
• Ingredient Symphony combining uncooked rice, tender broccoli, and sliced chicken into a harmonious mixture that simmers gently.
• Cheese Transformation stirring in sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan until the soup becomes creamy and luxurious with hints of fresh parsley.
• Final Touch serving the soup steaming hot, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a beautiful green parsley garnish that makes everyone smile.

Tips for Creamy Texture and Balanced Flavor

• Elevate your soup game by ensuring all ingredients are chopped uniformly for consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère, monterey jack, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles that complement the creamy base.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute white rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice, maintaining the soup's hearty texture and nutritional value.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a quick and easy protein swap that keeps meal prep simple.
• Add extra vegetables like diced celery, bell peppers, or spinach to increase nutritional density and create a more colorful, vibrant soup experience.

Serving This Hearty Broccoli Chicken Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic bowls that showcase its rich, creamy texture and vibrant colors. The warmth of the soup makes it perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-warming meal.
• Cheesy Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread or garlic crostini for dipping. The crispy bread provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, velvety soup and helps soak up every delicious drop.
• Freshness Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. These bright green herbs add a pop of color and a light, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheesy soup.
• Protein Power-Up: For extra protein, consider adding a handful of toasted sliced almonds or crispy bacon bits as a crunchy topping. These additions bring a delightful textural element and enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Storing Chicken and Rice Soup for Meals Later

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare a double batch of this hearty soup and divide into individual portions for quick weeknight meals. Perfect for busy families seeking delicious, comforting dinners in minutes.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The creamy texture might thicken when chilled, so simply add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore original consistency.
• Freezer-Friendly Solution: Freeze soup without cheese for optimal texture. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring in fresh cheese after warming to maintain creamy smoothness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Chop vegetables and slice chicken in advance to reduce cooking time. Store prepped ingredients separately in sealed containers for easy assembly during busy weekdays, transforming dinner preparation into a stress-free experience.

Hearty Chicken Broccoli And Rice Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Home cooks cherish this hearty chicken broccoli and rice soup for its comforting blend of tender proteins, crisp vegetables, and rich, creamy base. Delicious ingredients merge seamlessly, offering warmth and nourishment that draws diners close to savor each satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 3 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 454 g)
• 5–6 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large onion, diced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• ¼ cup uncooked white rice
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 tbsps olive oil (divided)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup water (plus more if needed)
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in a Dutch oven with olive oil over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove, slice thinly, and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add more olive oil and introduce diced onions, carrots, and garlic. Season lightly and cook until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Build Flavor Base: Incorporate dried thyme and butter, then dust with flour. Stir continuously to create a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and releasing a nutty aroma.
4. Create Liquid Foundation: Slowly whisk in milk, chicken broth, and water, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency. Add uncooked rice and broccoli florets, then return sliced chicken to the pot.
5. Simmer and Cook: Raise heat to medium-high until liquid nearly boils, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing rice to become tender and broccoli to reach perfect doneness.
6. Finalize and Enrich: Melt sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese into the soup, stirring until creamy and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle into warm bowls, top with additional Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley. Present immediately while hot and luxuriously creamy.

Notes

• Chicken Cooking Tip: Brown chicken thoroughly on both sides to lock in flavor and ensure even cooking, which prevents dryness and enhances overall taste profile.
• Rice Texture Hack: Watch rice carefully during simmering to achieve perfect tenderness without becoming mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Cheese Melting Secret: Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
• Seasoning Strategy: Taste soup at final stage and adjust salt and pepper gradually, understanding that cheese adds natural saltiness to the dish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg