Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

This Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe is a velvet-smooth bowl of nostalgia—the exact meal I crave when the weather turns grey and I need a warm hug from the inside out. A perfect combo of tender shredded chicken, soft long-grain rice, and a rich, herb-infused cream broth, it is a soul-warming classic that feels like home. Ideally the vegetables should be sautéed in butter until they are just beginning to soften to release their natural sweetness and build a flavorful foundation for the soup.

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Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning (optional, for color and depth)
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How To Make Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced celery, carrots, and diced onion. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables have softened slightly.
2. Create the Roux Base: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes. This “roux” stage cooks out the raw flour taste and ensures the soup will have a nice, thick body.
3. Build the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking or stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the dried parsley, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer the Rice: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then stir in the uncooked rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The rice should be tender and the broth slightly thickened from the starch.
5. Add Chicken and Cream: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until everything is heated through and the consistency is creamy.
6. Adjust and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Rice Texture: Using uncooked rice directly in the broth releases starch, which helps thicken the soup. However, if you plan on freezing leftovers, it is better to cook the rice separately and add it to individual bowls, as rice can become mushy when frozen and reheated.
• The Yellow Tint: To get that signature golden Cracker Barrel hue, add a tiny pinch of turmeric or ensure you use a poultry seasoning that contains it.
• Rotisserie Chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the perfect shortcut for this recipe. The mix of light and dark meat adds a richer flavor than plain boiled chicken breast.
• Veggie Cuts: Keep your carrot and celery slices relatively thick (about 1/4 inch). They need to stand up to the simmering time without turning into baby food.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice Soup

Soup accompaniments are simple, crusty additions frequently served to turn a light lunch into a hearty meal. Ideally the cornbread should be served warm with a drizzle of honey to contrast the savory herb notes of the soup.

• Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders (if you want a full feast)
• Warm cornbread muffins or saltine crackers
• A simple grilled cheese sandwich
• A crisp side salad with ranch dressing

How To Store Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice Soup

• Refrigerate: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The rice will continue to absorb the broth as it sits, so the soup will be much thicker the next day.
• Reheat: Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating on the stovetop to loosen the consistency back to a soup.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this specific recipe because the rice texture will degrade and become grainy, and the cream base may separate.

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice Soup Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320 kcal (per serving)
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 6 servings.

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