Step 1

Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the carrots, celery, garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 more minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 2

Add the chicken stock, chicken, rice, hot sauce and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the soup reaches a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain the simmer. Cover and continue cooking for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and tender, stirring the soup every 3-5 minutes or so to ensure that the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 3

Add the cream cheese and stir until it is completely melted and combined. Give the soup a taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed. And feel free to also add in more hot sauce and/or cream cheese if you would like to make the soup more spicy or creamy.

Step 4

Serve warm, garnished with lots of cheese, green onions and bacon bits. Enjoy!