Introduction
If there’s one thing that instantly takes me back to childhood, it’s the warm, creamy goodness of Campbell’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.
As a chef who swears by scratch-made soups, I still appreciate the nostalgic charm of Campbell’s — but there’s nothing like recreating that creamy magic from scratch with real ingredients.
But what if you could recreate the same creamy richness at home — with healthier ingredients and a more satisfying texture?
I prefer to give my family a version made with fresh ingredients and no additives. And I promise: it’s just as comforting, only richer and more flavorful.
So, let’s dive in!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Soup Recipe
» Nostalgic flavor: Tastes like the Campbell’s classic we all grew up on.
» One-pot meal: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
» Customizable: Add veggies, herbs, or make it dairy-free.
» Kid-approved: Even picky eaters love the creamy rice combo.
🍽️ Kitchen Equipment Required For This Recipe
» Large soup pot or Dutch oven
» Knife & chopping board
» Wooden spoon
» Measuring cups & spoons
» Whisk (if using flour for roux)
Ingredients For Campbell’s Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup
To recreate the cozy, nostalgic flavor of Campbell’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, you’ll need a handful of simple pantry and fridge staples. Here’s what to gather:
♥ 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
♥ 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced – adds aromatic depth to your soup.
♥ 2 celery stalks, chopped – gives a bit of crunch and freshness.
♥ 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced – for sweetness and color.
♥ 2 garlic cloves, minced – adds bold, savory undertones.
♥ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional) – helps thicken the soup to a creamy, Campbell-style texture.
♥ 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – the base of the soup; homemade or store-bought both work.
♥ 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed – rotisserie chicken is perfect for ease and flavor.
♥ 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice – for that signature heartiness; leftover rice is great here.
♥ 1½ cups milk or half-and-half – creates the creamy texture; whole milk gives better richness.
♥ ½ teaspoon dried thyme – subtle herb flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken and rice.
♥ Salt and black pepper, to taste – season as you go to balance all the flavors.
♥ Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or corn – adds a pop of sweetness and color, just like the canned version.
Chef’s Tip: Want it extra creamy? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a small handful of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
How to Make Campbell’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Here are the detailed step-by-step instructions for your Campbell’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe, written for clarity and ease, even for beginners:
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Time: 7–8 minutes
♥ First of all, you need to add 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil to a soup pan over a medium flame.
♥ Once hot, add diced onions, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Now, Sauté the veggies gently and stir occasionally, until you get the soft and fragrant vegetables for about 5-10 minutes. This builds the flavor base for your soup.
🔥 Chef Tip: Don’t rush this step. Sweating the aromatics draws out their sweetness and deepens the flavor of the entire soup.
Step 2: (Optional) Make a Roux for Creaminess
Time: 2–3 minutes
♥ If you want a thicker, richer soup, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly to coat the vegetables and cook off the raw flour taste. Do this for about 2–3 minutes, until the mixture forms a light paste (this is called a roux).
Step 3: Add Broth and Rice
Time: 15–20 minutes simmer
♥ Slowly pour in 4 cups of chicken broth while whisking or stirring to avoid lumps if you used flour. Then, add ¾ cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. Stir well to combine.
♥ Now boil the mixture, then reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
♥ ⏳ Check occasionally to ensure the rice isn’t sticking to the bottom.
Can I use leftover rice?
Yes! Add it near the end of cooking to avoid mushiness.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Cream
Time: 5–10 minutes simmer
♥ Once the rice is tender, stir in 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie chicken works great) and 1½ cups of milk or heavy cream, depending on how rich you want it.
♥ Simmer on low heat for 5–10 more minutes. This process melds all the ingredients perfectly. Be careful not to boil at this stage, as the cream may curdle.
♥ 🍗 Use well-seasoned or roasted chicken for the best flavor.
Can I use canned soup as a base?
You can. Use Campbell’s Cream of Chicken and add broth and rice to extend it.
Step 5: Season to Add Taste
♥ It’s the time to add seasoning! Salt, black pepper, and dried thyme according to your taste. Stir and taste again. Adjust seasoning as needed.
♥ 🌿 Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be added at the end for brightness.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Swap cream for coconut milk or oat milk and use oil instead of butter.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Time: 5 minutes
♥ Now, let the soup rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the soup to finish thickening naturally and helps the flavors settle.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
♥ Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with:
♥ A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cracked black pepper
♥ A drizzle of cream (optional)
♥ Crushed crackers or toasted bread on the side
♥ Enjoy the warm, nostalgic goodness!
Tips for the Perfect Campbell’s Chicken Soup
» Cook rice separately for better texture if freezing.
» Don’t boil after adding cream — gently simmer.
» Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
» Let the soup sit before serving so it thickens naturally.
» Use leftover roasted chicken for added flavor.
❄️ Storage & Reheating for This Recipe
- Fridge: You can store this soup in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can also freeze this soup without dairy for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on stovetop, adding broth or milk as needed.
🔢 Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~310 kcal
» Protein: 22g
» Fat: 14g
» Carbs: 28g
» Fiber: 2g
» Sodium: ~720mg
Note: Values may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Ingredient Substitutes For Campbell’s Chicken & Rice Soup
| Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Rotisserie or canned chicken, turkey |
| Cream | Evaporated milk, coconut milk (dairy-free) |
| Rice | Quinoa, orzo, wild rice blend |
| Flour | Cornstarch slurry or gluten-free flour |
| Broth | Vegetable broth for a lighter flavor |
What to Serve With This Campbell’s Chicken Soup
When you’re cozying up with a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, the right side dish can take your comforting meal to the next level. Whether you want something buttery, crunchy, fresh, or even cheesy, here are some of my favorite ideas:
» Crusty Bread or Rolls – Perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.
» Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic, melty, and comforting pairing.
» Roasted Veggies – Try broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for texture.
» Cheddar Biscuits or Cornbread – Savory, fluffy sides that complement the soup.
» Crackers or Breadsticks – Simple, crunchy add-ons that everyone loves.
» Fruit Salad – Light and sweet to refresh your palate.
These sides make your soup feel like a full, cozy meal!
Alternate Recipes You Can Try
Here are some delicious Alternate Recipes to try if you love Campbell’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup and want to explore more cozy, comforting dishes:
- 🥣 Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup – A great use for leftover turkey with the same cozy flavors.
- 🍄 Mushroom Wild Rice Soup – Earthy, vegetarian, and ultra-creamy.
- 🐄 Beef and Barley Soup – Hearty, rich, and perfect for cold nights.
- 🍠 Sweet Potato Chicken Chowder – Sweet, savory, and smoky.
- 🧄 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup – Bold, cheesy, and full of flavor.
- 🍲 Crockpot Creamy Chicken Corn Soup – Easy, slow-cooked comfort.
Campbell's Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe Card
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a soup pan, melt butter or with olive oil sauté the following ingredients: Onion, carrots & celery until you get the soft & tender veggies.
- Add chicken broth, Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Now, add chicken and rice to the soup, or simmer for 20 minutes for uncooked rice.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed and simmer until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end.
- You can use brown rice or wild rice in place of white rice for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and ensuring your chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels to be safe.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, whole milk can be used instead of cream for a lighter version. It won’t be as rich, so consider adding a bit of butter or cheese for extra creaminess.
Why did my rice turn mushy in the soup?
Overcooking or using quick-cooking rice can make it mushy. Add rice later in the cooking process and use long-grain or wild rice for a better texture that holds up in soup.
How do I thicken creamy chicken and rice soup?
You can thicken it by adding a flour and butter roux, a cornstarch slurry, or simply simmer it longer, uncovered. Mashed potatoes or blending part of the soup also helps naturally thicken it.
How to make Campbell’s cream of chicken soup?
Enhance Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup by adding sautéed garlic and onions, shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, a splash of cream, and black pepper. You can also mix in rice, veggies, or cooked pasta for a heartier meal.
What vegetables go well with creamy chicken and rice soup?
Great veggie additions include carrots, celery, peas, corn, spinach, and mushrooms. Sauté them first or add them early to ensure they’re tender and flavorful by the end of cooking.
My Final Thoughts
In Conclusion, recreating Campbell’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe at home brings together the best of both worlds — the comforting flavor we all love, and the joy of homemade cooking.
As a chef, nothing makes me happier than blending comfort and quality in one pot. Whether you’re nursing a cold, feeding a hungry family, or just craving cozy comfort food, this soup delivers every time.
✨ Now it’s your turn!
Try this recipe tonight and let the creamy aroma fill your home. Don’t forget to pair it with crusty bread and share your version with me in the comment section below!
