Name: Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons salted butter; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, fat trimmed off and cut into bite-size pieces; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup yellow onion, diced (about 1 small 4 inch sized onion); 1 cup celery, diced (about 2-3 medium stalks, trimmed); 1 cup carrot, peeled and diced (about 2-3 medium carrots); 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 cup green peas, frozen; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked; 6 cups chicken broth or chicken stock

Jump to Recipe·4 from 9 reviews

The Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a soul-soothing bowl of comfort that you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. It’s the kind of hearty meal that brings warmth on chilly evenings with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a velvety, flavorful broth that feels like a cozy hug in every spoonful. This soup strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and wholesome ingredients, making it an effortless go-to for dinners that satisfy both body and spirit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A creamy soup in a pale yellow pot shows a thick, light beige base filled with small chunks of white chicken pieces, bright orange carrot cubes, and small light green celery bits. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, with some black pepper visible, adding texture and contrast. A silver ladle rests inside the pot, partly submerged in the soup. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup recipe shines because of its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from the savory butter and tender chicken to the fresh veggies and creamy finish, all combining to create a symphony of flavors and textures that truly sing together.

3 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and a subtle savory base that enhances the chicken and vegetables.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs: Provides tender, juicy meat that stays moist through cooking.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Elevates the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the soup’s profile.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings fragrant herbal notes that lift the overall taste.
¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves: Infuses subtle earthiness that complements the chicken and vegetables.
1 cup yellow onion (diced): Offers a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup.
1 cup celery (diced): Adds a crisp texture and fresh flavor punch.
1 cup carrot (peeled and diced): Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color.
3 cloves fresh garlic (minced): Delivers a fragrant kick that enlivens the broth.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the soup, creating that perfect creamy consistency.
6 cups chicken broth or stock: The flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
1 cup long grain rice (uncooked): Adds heartiness and soft texture once cooked.
1 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
1 cup frozen green peas: Introduces a pop of sweetness and bright green color.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Salt and pepper to taste: For final seasoning to perfectly balance the soup.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to develop a lovely golden color which adds depth to the soup’s flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, add the diced onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. Let them soften gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until they just start to give, releasing their natural sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Step 3: Create the Base with Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. This step is key for thickening the soup later, so keep stirring to avoid any clumps or sticking. The flour will help build that luscious, creamy texture we all love.

Step 4: Add Broth and Bring to a Boil

Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is where all those beautiful flavors meld together, setting the stage for the rice to cook perfectly.

Step 5: Simmer with Rice and Cream

Once boiling, add your uncooked long grain rice along with the heavy cream. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the soup has thickened into that creamy consistency that makes this dish so comforting.

Step 6: Finish with Peas, Parsley, and Seasoning

The final flourish is folding in frozen green peas and fresh parsley for burst of color and freshness. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Now your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is ready to warm your soul.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

A thick white creamy soup is shown in a white bowl with a matching white plate beneath. The soup has several visible layers including small orange carrot cubes, light green celery pieces, bright green peas, and chunks of light-colored chicken mixed throughout the creamy broth. A silver spoon is scooping some of the soup, lifting a portion with all these colorful ingredients and a small green herb garnish resting on top. The background is a soft white marbled texture, and part of a white cloth is draped casually behind the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To finish off your bowl of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley on top. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle spiciness, and a few shavings of Parmesan cheese can elevate the flavors beautifully. These simple touches make a noticeable difference in presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into every creamy bite. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a crisp and refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the soup perfectly. For an extra touch, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple fruit salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve the Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup in rustic bread bowls for a charming touch. Alternatively, garnish each bowl with a swirl of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Offering small bowls of toppings like chopped scallions, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits invites everyone to customize their soup experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavors. Because the rice absorbs a lot of liquid, the soup thickens as it cools, so giving it a good stir before reheating is key to bringing back its creamy goodness.

Freezing

While you can freeze Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, note that the texture of the rice may change slightly after freezing. To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture.

Reheating

Reheat your soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to redistribute the creaminess evenly. Adding a bit of extra broth or water while reheating helps achieve the original silky texture, making each spoonful just as delightful as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine in this recipe, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender, especially after simmering in the soup.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, though it will slightly change the flavor and richness of the soup.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker but add the rice and cream toward the last 30 minutes to prevent the rice from overcooking and the cream from curdling.

What type of rice works best?

Long grain rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and doesn’t get overly sticky, which complements the creamy broth perfectly.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based protein or extra vegetables instead of chicken. Keep the cream or choose a plant-based alternative.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bowl of nourishing comfort that’s both rich and wholesome, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a must-try. It’s simple yet spectacular, with every spoonful delivering warmth, flavor, and a bit of happiness. Trust me, once you make this soup, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen, ready to brighten up any meal.