Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite as soothing as a bowl of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup when you’re craving comfort food. Full of tender chicken, a medley of aromatic veggies, and a dreamy, velvety broth, this soup envelops you in warmth with every spoonful. If you’re looking for a cozy family meal or a way to brighten a chilly day, this recipe is just what your heart—and stomach—ordered.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely adore about this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is how you can turn a handful of simple, fresh ingredients into something magical. Every veggie, herb, and sprinkle of seasoning adds its own little pop of flavor, making for a soup that’s both satisfying and vibrant.

• Olive oil: Helps start the soup off with a gorgeous base and brings out the sweetness in your veggies.
• Celery: Adds a bright, slightly peppery crunch that melds into the broth as it cooks.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory flavors and gives the soup a beautiful, sunny color.
• Onion: The secret to that homey aroma—don’t skip it!
• Garlic: A couple of cloves make all the difference in depth and character.
• Flour: Thickens everything up just right so the soup coats your spoon luxuriously.
• Chicken broth: The core of a good soup—use homemade for the ultimate flavor, but boxed broth works perfectly in a pinch.
• Italian seasoning: A little dried herb magic for warmth and subtle complexity.
• White jasmine rice: It’s tender, fluffy, and the key to making the soup hearty without getting mushy.
• Heavy/whipping cream: This makes every bowl rich, silky, and oh-so comforting.
• Chicken breasts: Lean, tender pieces soak up all those savory flavors (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut too!).
• Salt & pepper: Perfect for seasoning to your taste—don’t be shy with the pepper!

Variations

Don’t be afraid to play around with this recipe! Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is easily customizable—whether you need a dairy-free version, want to sneak in extra veggies, or simply work with what’s in your fridge, these ideas make it a breeze.

• Swap the Rice: Use brown rice or wild rice for extra texture and a wholesome nutty flavor (just note that it will take longer to cook).
• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream or your favorite plain, unsweetened non-dairy milk for the cream—you’ll still get plenty of richness.
• Veggie-Packed: Add chopped spinach, kale, peas, or mushrooms in the last few minutes of simmering for bonus color and nutrients.
• Make It Spicy: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a gentle kick.
• Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use pre-cooked chicken and add it just before serving for a dinner that comes together even faster.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every so often, until the vegetables soften and your kitchen starts to smell like a warm hug. This popping of flavors is the foundation for the whole soup!

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Flour

Once your veggies are fragrant and ready, stir in the garlic and flour. Let them cook together for about a minute—the flour will give your soup its signature body, and the garlic will bloom beautifully in the hot pot.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Scrape the Pot

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot with your spoon. This loosens up those flavorful browned bits and ensures the flour dissolves smoothly for a creamy broth base.

Step 4: Add Herbs, Rice, and Cream

Stir in the Italian seasoning, white jasmine rice, and heavy cream. Crank up the heat until the soup comes to a gentle boil, give everything a nice stir, then reduce to a simmer. Pop the lid on slightly ajar, and let it gently bubble for about 10 minutes—make sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Step 5: Add Chicken and Simmer

Now it’s time for those bite-sized chicken pieces! Drop them into the pot and continue to simmer for another 7 to 10 minutes, or until both the chicken and rice are perfectly cooked and tender. Taste, season generously with salt and pepper, and add extra chicken broth if you prefer a soupier consistency. The soup thickens quickly as it sits—don’t be afraid to splash in more broth as needed.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Garnishes

Add an extra flourish to your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup by topping it with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a grind of black pepper, or even a few snips of chives. A light dusting of parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil gives it that “restaurant-style” finish—super simple, but always makes your bowl pop.

Side Dishes

This cozy soup is wonderfully satisfying all by itself, but pairing it up just makes the meal feel extra special. Think warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for dunking and soaking up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly to balance all that creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup into rustic mugs for a casual movie night, or serve in bread bowls for an impressively cozy touch. Hosting friends? Arrange a “soup bar” with little bowls of toppings like shredded cheese, hot sauce, or herby croutons for everyone to customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because the rice soaks up liquid as it sits, don’t be alarmed if it thickens into almost a risotto texture—just add extra broth before reheating to bring it back to that perfect soup consistency.

Freezing

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly as the rice will continue to absorb liquid. For best results, freeze the soup without the rice and cream, then stir them in fresh once you reheat. If you freeze with the rice, it will be more stew-like, but still delicious!

Reheating

Gently warm your soup over low heat on the stove, adding a little more chicken broth as needed to loosen it up. Stir often to keep everything creamy and prevent scorching. If you’re using a microwave, reheat in 30-second bursts and stir to distribute the heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup a try the next time you need a little comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, fills the house with good smells, and leaves hearts—and bellies—happy. Let me know how you make it your own!

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