Name: Easy Creamy Chicken Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great); 1 cup cooked white or brown rice; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 3 tbsp butter or olive oil; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is warm, filling, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep option. It’s made with basic pantry staples and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. The creamy broth makes it indulgent while the rice and chicken make it hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
White or brown rice, cooked
Carrots, diced
Celery, diced
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Butter or olive oil
All-purpose flour (for thickening)
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

In a large pot, melt butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add shredded chicken and cooked rice to the pot. Stir and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Pour in heavy cream (or half-and-half), season with salt and black pepper to taste, and simmer for another 5 minutes until warmed through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 45 minutes

Variations

Use wild rice or a rice blend for a nutty flavor.
Add mushrooms, peas, or corn for more veggies.
Swap cream for coconut milk for a dairy free version.
Add a pinch of thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze without the cream for up to 2 months; add the cream after reheating. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice in this soup?

Yes, but add it earlier in the cooking process and increase the broth amount to allow the rice to cook properly.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful, but leftover roasted or poached chicken works well too.

Can I make this soup dairy free?

Yes, use olive oil instead of butter and substitute coconut milk for cream.

Will the rice get mushy in the soup?

Yes, if stored too long. To avoid this, keep rice separate and add it when reheating.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen mixed veggies are a great shortcut and save time.

Can I cook the rice in the soup instead of separately?

Yes, but you’ll need extra broth and a longer simmering time.

What kind of rice works best?

White rice makes it creamy, while wild rice or brown rice adds a chewier texture and nutty flavor.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine everything except the cream and flour. Add cream at the end and thicken if needed.

How do I thicken the soup more?

Add an extra tablespoon of flour in the beginning or stir in a cornstarch slurry before adding cream.

Can I add noodles instead of rice?

Yes, you can substitute pasta for rice, though the flavor and texture will change.

Conclusion

Easy creamy chicken rice soup is a comforting, filling meal that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Rich and flavorful, it’s perfect for cold evenings, meal prep, or when you want a bowl of something soothing and hearty. With plenty of variations and freezer-friendly options, this recipe is a staple you’ll come back to again and again.