Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

There’s just something magical about a steaming bowl of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup on a chilly day—the kind of soup that warms you to your toes and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. This dish is luxuriously creamy, loaded with tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, all wrapped in a savory broth with just a hint of heat and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Whether you need a comforting meal for a quiet night in or want to impress guests with a classic favorite, Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup brings both heartiness and coziness to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this soup is how each simple ingredient brings its own charm—some offer creaminess, others a kick of flavor, and together, they create a deeply satisfying bowl. Let’s peek at why each one is essential and how you can get the best flavor from every bite.

• Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, soaking up all the comforting flavors.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and vegetables to make every ingredient shine.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that infuses the soup with classic savory notes.
• Mustard powder: Adds a subtle tanginess, enhancing the depth of the broth.
• Paprika: Brings a beautiful color and a gentle smokiness to the soup.
• Chili flakes: A touch of heat—use more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
• Butter: Unsalted butter makes the base rich and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
• Yellow onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and savory aromas.
• Carrots: They add pops of color and natural sweetness as they simmer.
• Celery: Gives the broth that classic, comforting depth and crunch.
• Garlic: Four cloves add robust, aromatic flavor.
• Fresh thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal lift that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• Fresh rosemary: Chopped rosemary delivers woodsy notes for a classic finish.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup, ensuring every spoonful is lusciously creamy.
• Chicken broth: The foundation of flavor—choose a good-quality broth or homemade for best results.
• Half and half: For that signature creamy texture without feeling heavy.
• Soy sauce: Amps up the savory, umami notes for depth and richness.
• Hot sauce: Provides a zesty backbone—adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Long grain white rice: Absorbs the broth, thickens the soup, and gives heartiness to every bite.
• Salt and pepper: Always taste as you go so every layer is seasoned just right.
• Parmesan cheese, black pepper, parsley: The ultimate garnishes to finish this comforting soup with freshness and a hint of luxury.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken thigh pieces in a mixing bowl. Toss them well with salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and a pinch of chili flakes—this simple step infuses the meat with delicious flavor right from the start. Set the bowl aside while you chop the veggies so the spices can soak in.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large Dutch oven or sturdy soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery along with a sprinkle of kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the veggies start to soften and their flavors become sweet and inviting. Stir in the garlic and let it bloom aromatically for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Slide the marinated chicken pieces into the pot and stir so they brown gently and cook through—this only takes a few minutes. Once the chicken is no longer pink, sprinkle in the fresh thyme and rosemary. Their fresh, fragrant notes will immediately lift the flavors in the pot.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the chicken and vegetables and stir, making sure everything is evenly coated. This creates the foundation for that silky, creamy texture that defines Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Now comes the fun part: slowly pour in the chicken broth, followed by the half and half, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Toss in the uncooked rice and give everything a thorough stir. Raise the heat to medium-high until the pot starts to bubble, then reduce to low and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often so the rice cooks through and the soup thickens up beautifully. Feel free to add extra broth or a splash of water if you prefer a thinner consistency—especially if you’re reheating.

Step 6: Taste and Finish

Taste your masterpiece and adjust the seasoning—maybe a dash more hot sauce or salt if needed. Ladle the Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup into bowls and finish off with lots of shaved Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a shower of fresh parsley. Cozy perfection!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can dress up your Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup with both flavor and flair. A generous sprinkle of freshly shaved Parmesan elevates the cheesy factor, a twist of cracked black pepper adds a little zing, and a scattering of bright parsley wakes up the whole bowl. These final touches make every serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

A hearty soup like this deserves a supporting cast: think crusty bread or a warm, buttered baguette for dipping, a crisp green salad for freshness, or even a cozy grilled cheese if you’re in full comfort-food mode. Each pairing adds a new dimension, making your meal both satisfying and memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of wow-factor, ladle the Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup into hollowed-out bread bowls or serve in colorful, wide rimmed bowls that showcase the rich, creamy broth and vibrant veggies. For family style, a big soup tureen at the center of the table makes it easy for everyone to help themselves and encourages seconds (and thirds!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup to airtight containers once cooled—this keeps it fresh and prevents it from absorbing other fridge flavors. Because the rice continues to soak up liquid, the soup will thicken as it sits, but a splash of extra broth or water easily restores its velvety texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup for easy future meals! Just portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. When thawed, the rice may soak up even more broth, so be prepared to add a little extra liquid when reheating for best results.

Reheating

Simply reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water as needed to bring back the creamy consistency. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir between each one to prevent hot spots. Taste and season again if needed before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breast works well for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. Adjust cooking time so the breast doesn’t dry out and use whichever cut you prefer or have on hand.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

If you plan to make the soup ahead, try cooking the rice separately and adding it just before serving. The rice will stay firmer, and you can better control the soup’s consistency, especially in leftovers.

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup gluten free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, or use cornstarch (mixed with a bit of cold broth to make a slurry) to thicken the soup. Make sure to also check your broth and other ingredients for gluten hidden ingredients.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Stir shredded rotisserie chicken in after the veggies have softened—since it’s already cooked, you’ll just need to warm it through as the soup simmers, resulting in an even quicker version of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.

How spicy is this soup?

The spice level is pretty mild as written, but completely customizable. Add more chili flakes or hot sauce if you love heat, or leave them out altogether for a gentler soup that still brims with flavor.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you find as much joy and comfort in this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup as I do every time it’s on my table. From the rich, creamy base to the tender chicken and vibrant veggies, it’s a bowlful of warmth and love. Give it a try—there’s a good chance it’ll become your new go-to cozy meal!

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