Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Highlighted under: Home-Cooked Classics Recipes

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that's perfect for chilly evenings. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich creamy broth, it's sure to warm your soul.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-05T17:50:21.144Z

This soup is not only easy to make but also a family favorite. It's creamy, hearty, and full of flavor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy texture that comforts on cold days
  • Loaded with protein from chicken and fiber from vegetables
  • Easy to make in one pot for minimal cleanup

The Comfort of Soup

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially on a chilly evening. Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup combines the heartiness of chicken with the soothing texture of a rich broth, making it an ideal dish to warm your heart and soul. This soup is not just a meal; it's an experience that wraps you in warmth, providing a sense of comfort with every spoonful.

Soups have long been a staple in many cultures, often associated with home-cooked meals and family gatherings. The creamy base of this soup enhances its comforting quality, ensuring that every bite is rich and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy rice makes it a complete meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.

Nutritional Benefits

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The chicken provides a generous amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. Paired with the fiber-rich vegetables, this soup supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.

In addition to the protein from the chicken, the carrots and celery add vital vitamins and minerals to your diet. Carrots are a fantastic source of beta-carotene, which is important for eye health, while celery contributes hydration and essential nutrients. The combination of these ingredients makes this soup a well-rounded dish that nourishes both body and soul.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best aspects of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is its suitability for meal prep. This one-pot recipe makes it easy to cook a large batch, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Simply store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and you’ll have a quick and nutritious meal ready to go whenever hunger strikes.

Reheating the soup is a breeze, and the flavors will only deepen as it sits. If you find the soup thickening over time, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency. This makes it an excellent option for busy schedules, ensuring you have a hearty meal on hand without the fuss.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup white rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Add Garlic and Chicken

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the shredded chicken to the pot.

Combine Broth and Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the white rice, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.

Add Cream

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it heat through for another 5 minutes.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your warm bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup!

Storage Tips

To keep your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer, making it a great option for stocking up on homemade meals.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen soup, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a little chicken broth to restore its creamy texture.

Variations to Try

While the classic Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is delightful on its own, there are many variations you can try to keep things interesting. For a kick of flavor, consider adding spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. You can also incorporate different vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to enhance the nutrition and color of the soup.

For those who prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. This will still give you that creamy consistency while catering to dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what flavors you enjoy!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover or rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead, but the rice may absorb more broth as it sits. You may need to add more broth before serving.

→ Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure you use gluten-free broth and rice.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze it. However, the texture of the rice may change upon reheating.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that's perfect for chilly evenings. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich creamy broth, it's sure to warm your soul.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Home-Cooked Classics Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  2. 1 cup white rice
  3. 4 cups chicken broth
  4. 1 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 medium onion, chopped
  6. 2 carrots, diced
  7. 2 celery stalks, diced
  8. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  9. Salt and pepper to taste
  10. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  11. 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 02

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 03

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the white rice, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.

Step 04

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it heat through for another 5 minutes.

Step 05

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 25g