Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

Name: Creamy Chicken Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Food Inspiration

I always find comfort in a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Rice Soup, especially during chilly evenings. The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and wholesome rice makes this dish a soothing staple in our home. Each spoonful envelops you in rich flavors, and I love how it’s easy to whip up after a long day. With just a handful of ingredients, we can create a cozy meal that everyone will enjoy, making it an instant family favorite. Trust me, you’ll want this creamy delight on your dinner table!

Created by

Rebecca Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:33:36.201Z

One quiet evening, I decided to experiment a bit with some leftover rotisserie chicken, and that’s when I stumbled upon the perfect creamy chicken rice soup. I was amazed at how the combination of fresh herbs and rich cream just elevated the dish! The secret was in letting it simmer gently; that’s what truly brought out the flavors in each ingredient.

Afterward, I made it a point to always have chicken broth and rice on hand. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that can be effortlessly adjusted with whatever vegetables I have on hand. Every time I serve it, I can see the smiles on my family's faces—it's a bowl of happiness!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, rich texture that is comforting
Versatile with any leftover chicken or veggies
Perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather

Perfecting the Flavors

To achieve a rich and flavorful broth, it's essential to sauté the vegetables adequately. When cooking the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, aim for a golden, translucent appearance, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the overall taste of the soup, releasing natural sugars and deepening the flavor profile. Use a wooden spoon to help scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot as the vegetables cook, infusing the broth with even more depth.

When combining the chicken and broth, a gentle boil ensures that the chicken warms up without becoming tough. After adding the cooked chicken, give it a few minutes to heat through before adding the rice. If you're using leftover rotisserie chicken, you can shred it directly into the pot. Be sure to stir gently to avoid breaking down the rice grains and maintain the pleasant texture of this creamy soup.

Creamy Texture Staples

In this soup, the heavy cream is the star of the show when it comes to achieving that dreamy, velvety texture. However, if you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk. Just keep in mind that the cream’s richness balances the broth's saltiness, so if you reduce the fat, you might need to adjust your salt levels to keep the flavors aligned.

For a thicker soup, consider adding a slurry made from equal parts cornstarch and water. Stir it in during the simmering stage after adding the cream, letting it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the soup thickens beautifully. Keep in mind, though, that adjusting the thickness may also necessitate a little extra broth to maintain flavor balance.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

If you’re planning to make this soup ahead of time, I recommend preparing the components separately, such as sautéing the vegetables and cooking the chicken, while keeping the cream and rice aside until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the rice from becoming too mushy and allows for the cream to maintain its rich consistency when reheating. Stored in an airtight container, it can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

When reheating, do so over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, a splash of broth or water can help restore its creamy nature. Feel free to get creative with garnishes; a sprinkle of crispy bacon or a dash of hot sauce can elevate this comforting dish to new heights.

Ingredients

For the Soup

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

Make sure to use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor through your soup!

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.

Combine Chicken and Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the shredded chicken and cooked rice, stirring to combine.

Add Cream and Season

Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy chicken rice soup!

Pair this soup with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

For an added boost of flavor, try incorporating some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while the soup simmers.

Ingredient Tips

The choice of chicken in this recipe can greatly affect the taste. While shredded rotisserie chicken is convenient, using bone-in cuts cooked in the broth will infuse even more flavor. Just make sure to remove the bones before adding the cream and rice, as they can be tricky to manage later.

As for the vegetables, you can customize this soup with what you have on hand. Parboiled potatoes or green beans can be excellent alternatives to carrots and celery. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, as denser vegetables may require more sautéing to achieve the desired tenderness.

Variations to Try

While this Creamy Chicken Rice Soup is delightful as is, there are endless variations to explore. For a southwestern twist, add diced tomatoes and black beans along with a teaspoon of cumin and chili powder. This adds depth while introducing a refreshing kick to the soup.

If you're looking for a lighter, veggie-packed option, try replacing the chicken with finely chopped mushrooms and adding leafy greens like spinach or kale near the end of cooking. They wilt quickly and provide additional nutrients without sacrificing the soup's comforting nature.

Common Troubleshooting

If your soup turns out too salty, adding a raw potato during simmering can help absorb some of the excess salt. Simply remove the potato before serving; it won't change the flavor profile while soaking up some seasoning.

Having trouble with the consistency? If the soup is too thin, focus on letting it simmer longer after adding the cream. A patient simmer allows the ingredients to meld beautifully while thickening the overall texture. Just keep an eye on it to avoid over-reduction.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use uncooked chicken?

Yes, just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the cream.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version.

→ How long can I store the soup?

It can be stored in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, but avoid freezing it with cream added; instead, add the cream when reheating.