Description
Best Crack Chicken Rice Soup is the kind of cozy meal that makes you want to grab a big spoon and a thick slice of bread right away. This creamy chicken and rice soup is packed with tender shredded chicken, soft rice, carrots, celery, cheddar, and cream cheese for a rich and comforting finish. It is an easy recipe for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, quick dinner plans, comforting lunch bowls, and family-friendly food ideas when you want a hearty homemade soup that tastes warm, filling, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup uncooked white rice
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk or half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, then cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and whisk in the ranch seasoning mix.
5. Add the uncooked rice and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
6. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
7. Stir in the shredded chicken and let it warm through for 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
9. Pour in the milk or half-and-half and stir well.
10. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
11. Season with salt and black pepper.
12. Finish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use softened cream cheese so it melts smoothly into the broth without leaving lumps.
If the soup thickens after sitting, stir in a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: best crack chicken rice soup, crack chicken soup, creamy chicken rice soup, easy dinner, comfort food, hearty soup, quick dinner, food ideas