Best Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup – Easy Homemade Version

Recipes Youssef here! From my very first kitchen experiments to sharing beloved family recipes, I’ve always loved crafting meals that feel both comforting and approachable. This creamy chicken and rice soup is one of those dishes that brings warmth to any table—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Using simple ingredients, you can create a rich, restaurant-style soup that’s customizable, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken and rice soup is the ultimate comfort dish. Quick, easy, and family-friendly, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and perfectly cooked rice creates a balanced one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. You can customize it with milk, cream, or wild rice for extra richness. Easy creamy chicken and rice soup recipes like this one bring restaurant-style flavor to your home.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every ingredient in this creamy chicken and rice soup is chosen to create rich, restaurant-style flavor while keeping the recipe simple and approachable. Butter, onions, garlic, and vegetables build a savory base. Chicken and rice provide substance, while milk or cream ensures ultimate creaminess. Fresh herbs like parsley finish the soup with brightness.

🛒 Ingredients (serves 6–8):

For the Soup:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
1 cup long-grain white rice or wild rice, uncooked
1 ½ cups milk (or evaporated milk for richer soup)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Optional: ½ cup heavy cream for extra creaminess
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How to Make This Recipe

Creating this creamy chicken and rice soup is simple with step-by-step guidance. Start by sautéing vegetables to build a flavorful base, then add chicken broth and rice to cook together. Stir in milk or cream mixed with flour to thicken the soup to a creamy perfection. Finally, fold in tender chicken and season to taste. This easy creamy chicken and rice soup can be ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals any day.

🛒 Steps:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until soft.
2. Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
3. Stir in rice and reduce heat to low; simmer until rice is tender.
4. Whisk flour into milk and slowly add to the soup, stirring to thicken. Add optional cream for extra richness.
5. Fold in shredded chicken and cook until heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Expert Cooking Tips

Making the perfect creamy chicken and rice soup is easier than it seems with a few expert tips. Start by using rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and minimal prep—this instantly gives your soup a rich, tender chicken taste. For the creamiest texture, whisk the flour into milk before adding it to the soup to prevent lumps. Wild rice adds a nutty flavor and a satisfying bite, while regular long-grain rice keeps the soup smoother and classic.

Control the creaminess by adjusting milk or adding a touch of heavy cream—this one-pot soup can be customized to your family’s taste. Sauté vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery first to build depth of flavor, and season gradually, tasting as you go. To make the soup ahead, cook fully, then store in the fridge; it reheats beautifully, allowing flavors to meld even more. Fresh parsley added at the end brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

💡 Expert Tips:

• For a shortcut, use rotisserie chicken to save prep time while keeping rich, tender meat.
• Wild rice adds nutty flavor and chewy texture to creamy chicken and rice soup.
• Adjust milk or cream to control thickness; more cream makes it richer and more velvety.
• Make ahead: Soup stores well and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
• Season gradually and taste as you go to get perfectly balanced restaurant-style flavor in every bowl.

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This creamy chicken and rice soup brings restaurant-style flavor to your home kitchen. Easy to make, comforting, and customizable, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With tender chicken, soft rice, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s a one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Try adding wild rice or extra cream for an indulgent touch, and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl anytime.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A comforting, restaurant-style creamy chicken and rice soup that’s rich, hearty, and perfect for cozy meals. Made with tender chicken, soft rice, and a creamy broth, it’s easy to make at home and customizable with rotisserie chicken, wild rice, or a touch of milk or cream for extra richness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (serves 6–8):

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)

• 1 cup long-grain white rice or wild rice, uncooked

• 1 ½ cups milk (or evaporated milk for richer soup)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Optional: ½ cup heavy cream for extra creaminess

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Broth
Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Step 3: Cook the Rice
Add uncooked rice to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 18–20 minutes (or until rice is tender).

Step 4: Make it Creamy
In a small bowl, whisk flour into milk until smooth. Slowly stir into the soup. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. For extra richness, add cream here.

Step 5: Add Chicken
Stir in shredded chicken. Cook for another 5 minutes to heat through. Adjust seasoning if needed.

 

Step 6: Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

• Shortcut: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Rice Options: Wild rice adds nutty flavor and texture.
• Make Ahead: Soup can be made a day in advance; reheat gently on the stove.
• Extra Creamy: Replace half the milk with heavy cream.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup / Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop / Simmered
• Cuisine: American