The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Soup Recipe for Comfort

Creamy chicken broccoli and rice soup emerges as a culinary embrace of wholesome goodness, revolutionizeing simple ingredients into a symphony of comfort.

Robust and nurturing, this soup weaves together protein-packed proteins with vibrant vegetables and delicate grains.

Its velvety texture whispers promises of warmth and satisfaction, perfect for those moments when you crave something substantial.

Nutritious elements dance together, creating a harmonious blend that soothes both body and soul.

Each spoonful tells a story of homemade goodness, rich with depth and careful seasoning.

Families and individuals alike find solace in this nourishing blend of classic ingredients.

Prepare to fall in love with a soup that feels like a culinary hug.

How to Make a Rich, Creamy Chicken Soup the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Heat a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat and add of olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper
• Cook in the pot for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked
• Remove and slice the chicken

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Create Base

• Add of olive oil to the pot
• Sauté diced onion, carrot, and minced garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper until softened
• Stir in dried thyme and butter
• Sprinkle in flour and mix well

Step 4: Build the Liquid Foundation

• Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes
• Gradually add milk, chicken broth, and water
• Stir to combine ingredients smoothly

Step 5: Combine Main Ingredients

• Add uncooked white rice and broccoli florets to the pot
• Return sliced chicken to the mixture
• Season with salt and black pepper

Step 6: Simmer and Cook

• Increase heat to medium-high and bring near boiling
• Reduce to gentle simmer
• Cook for 20-25 minutes until broccoli is tender and rice is fully cooked

Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Herbs

• Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Add grated Parmesan cheese
• Mix until cheese is melted and smooth
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle soup into bowls
• Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese
• Garnish with fresh parsley
• Serve hot and savor the creamy, comforting flavors

Pro Tips for a Thicker, Heartier Broccoli Chicken Soup

• Slice Chicken Evenly: Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Rice Texture Matters: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and to prevent the soup from becoming too starchy or sticky.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Broccoli Brightness: Add broccoli towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, keeping a slight crunch.
• Flavor Boost: Layer seasonings throughout cooking for deeper, more complex taste, and don't be afraid to adjust salt and pepper at the final stage for perfect seasoning.

How to Store and Reheat Soup Without It Turning Watery

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Carefully pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Avoid adding cheese before freezing, as it can separate and change texture when thawed.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore creamy consistency if the soup has thickened. Stir in fresh cheese after reheating to maintain its smooth, melted texture.

What to Serve Alongside a Bowl of This Cozy Soup

• Spark a Cheese and Chardonnay Duo: Pair the creamy chicken broccoli rice soup with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that balances the rich, cheesy flavors while cutting through the soup's velvety texture.
• Enhance with Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve alongside a warm, golden-crusted sourdough or rustic whole grain bread to soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Complement the hearty soup with a light, zesty green salad featuring mixed spring greens, sliced almonds, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy soup.
• Highlight with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic layer that lifts the soup's deep, comforting flavors.

Fun Add-Ins to Switch Up This Creamy Chicken Classic

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Soup: Replace thyme with cumin and chili powder. Add diced green chilies and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
• Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Mix in extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added nutrition.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Soup: Incorporate oregano and rosemary instead of thyme. Use feta cheese instead of cheddar. Add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Rice Soup: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions. Include a splash of white wine during cooking. Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil and chopped fresh thyme for an elegant touch.

Why This Chicken Broccoli Rice Soup Is Creamy Comfort in a Bowl

• Savor One-Pot Comfort: This creamy chicken broccoli and rice soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, using just one pot for the entire cooking process.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Boost: Packed with lean chicken and two types of cheese, the recipe offers a substantial 30g of protein per serving, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adaptable with potential ingredient swaps like different vegetables or cheese varieties, this soup provides flexibility for personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Wellness Solution: Requiring only 30-40 minutes from start to finish, this hearty soup provides a nutritious dinner option for busy families seeking a wholesome, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

All the Ingredients Behind This Cozy Classic

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source with mild flavor, perfect for soaking up soup seasonings.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich, tangy cheeses that add depth and creamy texture to the soup.

• Onion: Aromatic base that provides sweet, savory foundation for the soup.
• Carrot: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Broccoli Florets: Nutritious green vegetable with tender texture and mild earthy taste.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer that adds depth to the soups overall profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for garnishing and adding a pop of color.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat for sautéing and building flavor.
• Milk: Creamy base that helps create smooth, rich soup texture.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that forms the soups foundation.
• Water: Helps adjust soup consistency and volume.
• White Rice: Hearty grain that adds substance and absorbs soup flavors.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating creamy soup consistency.
• Dried Thyme: Aromatic herb that provides subtle earthy undertones.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor profile.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken broccoli and rice soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending hearty ingredients with rich, savory flavors. Warm, nourishing spoonfuls promise a satisfying meal that wraps you in delightful culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein & Produce:

• 3 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 454 grams)
• 5–6 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid & Rice Components:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup water (plus more if needed)
• ¼ cup uncooked white rice

Seasoning & Cheese:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat, drizzling of olive oil across the bottom.
2. Apply salt and black pepper generously to chicken breasts. Place them in the heated pot, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice into thin strips.
3. Pour an additional tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil into the pot. Introduce diced onions, chopped carrots, and finely minced garlic, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and softened.
4. Sprinkle dried thyme and add butter to the vegetable mixture. Dust with flour, stirring continuously to create a smooth, cohesive base.
5. Allow the flour mixture to cook for 1-2 minutes, developing a light golden color and releasing a nutty aroma.
6. Gradually incorporate milk, chicken broth, and water, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a silky liquid base.
7. Add uncooked white rice and fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Reintroduce the sliced chicken, seasoning with ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt and ⅛ teaspoon (0.6 grams) black pepper.
8. Elevate heat to medium-high, bringing the liquid to a near-boiling point. Immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, covering and cooking for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and broccoli is perfectly cooked.
9. Incorporate shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
10. Finish the soup with freshly chopped parsley, tasting and adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
11. Ladle the soup into warm bowls, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Craft this hearty soup when craving comfort food that warms your soul from the inside out.
• Perfect for chilly evenings when you want a one-pot meal packed with protein and vibrant vegetables.
• Cheese creates an irresistibly creamy texture that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld and develop deeper complexity.
• Easily customize by swapping chicken for turkey or adding different seasonal vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 367 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 82mg