When you’re craving comfort food that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, few dishes beat the simplicity and heartiness of a Minute Rice and Cream of Chicken Soup recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug on a plate-warming, satisfying, and perfect for any time of day, whether you need a quick dinner or a cozy lunch. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can whip up a dish that’s both creamy and filling.
What makes this recipe so great is how versatile it is. You can dress it up with extra ingredients or enjoy it as is. The base of Minute Rice paired with creamy chicken soup creates a comforting texture, while the addition of seasonings and optional toppings elevates the flavor profile.
So, if you’re ready to create a meal that’s delicious, easy, and perfect for busy days, let’s dive into this recipe. We’ll break it down step-by-step, give you insight into each ingredient, and share some tips and variations to make it your own!
Minute Rice And Cream Of Chicken Soup Recipe
This recipe is all about simplicity and ease, but don’t let that fool you-it’s also incredibly tasty and comforting. The combination of Minute Rice and Cream of Chicken Soup creates a creamy, flavorful base that pairs beautifully with a variety of additions, making it adaptable to your preferences. Let’s take a closer look at how to make this dish from start to finish!
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, comforting dish:
- Minute Rice (1 cup): The star of the dish. It cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This is the flavor base. It’s rich and creamy, and the chicken flavor is a perfect match for the rice.
- Water (1 ¼ cups): This helps loosen up the soup, creating the perfect consistency for the rice to absorb.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and depth to the dish, making it even more decadent.
- Salt (to taste): Brings out the flavors of the soup and rice.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle kick and balances the richness of the cream.
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Optional Add-ins
- Shredded cheese: For extra creaminess and a cheesy flavor boost.
- Cooked chicken: If you have leftovers or want to make the dish more filling, diced or shredded cooked chicken is a great option.
- Garlic powder or onion powder: For an added layer of flavor.
- Chopped parsley or green onions: For a fresh finish.
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Rice
- In a medium saucepan, combine the Minute Rice and water.
- Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes (or follow the directions on the Minute Rice box).
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for a few more minutes to allow it to fluff up.
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Make The Creamy Soup Base
- While the rice is resting, grab another medium saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add in the Cream of Chicken Soup. Stir it gently to combine with the butter.
- Gradually add the water, stirring to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Bring the soup mixture to a simmer, allowing it to heat through.
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Combine And Simmer
- Add the cooked rice to the creamy soup mixture. Stir everything together until the rice is well coated.
- Let the mixture simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the rice to absorb some of the creamy soup and the flavors to meld together.
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Season And Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- If you’re adding any optional ingredients like cheese, chicken, or herbs, now is the time to stir them in.
- Once everything is combined and heated through, serve hot. It’s that simple!
Ingredient Insights
- Minute Rice: This rice cooks incredibly fast, which is why it’s perfect for this quick recipe. It’s pre-cooked and dehydrated, so all it needs is water and heat to become fluffy. It’s also more consistent in texture compared to traditional rice, making it an ideal choice for this dish.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: A pantry staple for many. This ingredient acts as both a flavor base and a creamy binder. It’s not just about convenience; it’s a great way to add depth without needing to make a sauce from scratch. It’s rich, savory, and complements the rice perfectly. You can substitute this with Cream of Mushroom Soup if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Butter: It doesn’t just add richness; it helps to create a smooth, velvety texture when mixed with the soup. The combination of butter and cream of chicken soup creates a luscious, indulgent sauce.
- Water: While you could use broth for added flavor, water works perfectly here as it keeps the dish light. If you want a more intense chicken flavor, feel free to substitute it with chicken broth.
Expert Tips
- Rice Consistency: If the rice becomes too thick or sticky, you can add a little more water to loosen it up. Don’t hesitate to adjust the liquid to your preferred consistency.
- Leftovers: This dish is great for meal prep. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life.
- Make it Cheesy: If you love cheese, you can mix in a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella just before serving to make it extra gooey and creamy.
- Add More Vegetables: If you’re looking for a more wholesome meal, consider adding some frozen peas, carrots, or corn during the last few minutes of cooking.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. You can also add in sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables for more texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give this dish a spicy, flavorful kick.
- Chicken Alfredo: For a twist, add cooked chicken (rotisserie works great) and a bit of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, Alfredo-style dish.
- One-Pot Option: You could also try making this dish entirely in one pot. After cooking the rice, stir in the soup, water, and butter in the same pan, letting everything come together without the need for multiple pans.
Final Words
The beauty of this Minute Rice and Cream of Chicken Soup recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can make a meal that’s not only satisfying but versatile enough to play around with. Whether you’re looking for something hearty on a cold day or need a quick dinner on a busy night, this recipe is your perfect go-to. And, it’s one of those dishes that’s hard to mess up-it’s almost impossible to get wrong!
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Minute Rice And Cream Of Chicken Soup?
The basic ingredients for this recipe include Minute Rice, a can of cream of chicken soup, chicken broth (or water), and optional seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add cooked chicken or vegetables for added flavor.
How Do You Prepare Minute Rice And Cream Of Chicken Soup?
To prepare the dish, combine the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth in a pot. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Once the mixture is simmering, add the Minute Rice and cook for about 5-10 minutes until the rice is tender and the soup has thickened.
Can I Use Instant Rice Instead Of Minute Rice?
Yes, you can substitute Minute Rice with any instant rice variety, as long as it cooks quickly in a short time. The cooking times may vary slightly, so follow the package instructions for the specific rice you’re using.
Can I Add Vegetables To This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, or green beans to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. It’s best to use frozen vegetables, as they cook quickly and blend well with the creamy texture of the soup.
Can I Use Homemade Chicken Broth Instead Of Canned Broth?
Yes, you can use homemade chicken broth. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning, as homemade broth may not be as salty as canned options. You may need to add a bit more salt or seasoning to taste.
Is This Recipe Gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you ensure that the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth you’re using are labeled gluten-free. Some canned soups and broths may contain gluten, so be sure to check the labels if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
How Can I Make This Recipe Creamy Without Using Cream Of Chicken Soup?
If you want to avoid using canned soup, you can make your own creamy base by combining milk, chicken broth, and a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour. You can also add a bit of sour cream or heavy cream to increase the richness.
How Long Will This Dish Keep In The Fridge?
The minute rice and cream of chicken soup will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Ensure it’s stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When reheating, add a little extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
Can I Use Other Types Of Rice For This Recipe?
While Minute Rice is typically recommended for its quick cooking time, you can use other types of rice such as long-grain white rice or brown rice. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these types of rice take longer to cook.
Can I Freeze Minute Rice And Cream Of Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. However, note that the rice may become slightly mushy upon reheating. To freeze, cool the dish completely and transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add additional broth or water to bring back its creamy consistency.