Introduction
“Soup puts the heart at ease, calms down the violence of hunger, eliminates the tension of the day.” – Auguste Escoffier.
Looking for the coziest Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe to warm your soul in 2025? You’ve found it! This easy, hearty soup is perfect for chilly nights, sick days, or whenever you crave a comforting, satisfying meal in one pot.
Hi there, I’m Antonio Morelli, and let me tell you—this recipe holds a special place in my heart. On rainy evenings growing up, my grandmother used to make this soup from scratch with leftover chicken and garden-fresh herbs.
The aroma would fill the house before dinner, making everything feel a little warmer and homier. Now, I’ve recreated that classic comfort with modern ease and creamy perfection just for you.
So, let’s break it down easy step-by-step!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Soup Recipe
This isn’t just another soup—it’s a hug in a bowl, and here’s exactly why it’s going to become your go-to comfort meal in 2025:
» One-pot meal – Easy cleanup, minimal fuss.
» Creamy & cozy – Rich texture without feeling heavy.
» Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or spices.
» Great for leftovers & meal prep – Stays tasty for days.
» Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love it!
» Budget-friendly – Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
» Chef-approved comfort – Classic flavors with a modern twist.
🍽️ Kitchen Equipment Required
To make this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:
♥ Large soup pot or Dutch oven
♥ Measuring cups and spoons
♥ Wooden spoon or spatula
♥ Ladle – For serving the soup easily
♥ Sharp knife – For chopping vegetables and meat
♥ Whisk – To help mix in the broth and cream smoothly
♥ Tongs or forks – For shredding chicken if using raw
♥ Cutting board – Preferably separate ones for meat and veggies
🧑🍳 Optional but helpful: An Instant Pot or Crockpot if you plan to use alternate cooking methods.
Ingredients For Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
You don’t need anything fancy to make this soup—just real, wholesome ingredients that bring big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
♥ White Rice
♥ Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or leftover rotisserie chicken
♥ Vegetables – Carrots, celery, onion, garlic
♥ Broth – Chicken broth or bone broth for deeper flavor
♥ Cream – Heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk (use plant-based alternatives if needed)
♥ Butter & Flour – For making a creamy roux
♥ Seasonings – Salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf
♥ Optional: Peas, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition
Pro Tip: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor, but dried ones work great too in a pinch!
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup 2025
» This creamy chicken and rice soup recipe is simple enough for beginners yet flavorful enough to impress. Let’s walk through every step with chef-tested tips so you get it just right every time—creamy, hearty, and packed with goodness.
🧈 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
♥ Start by building a flavor base—the key to rich, deep taste.
♥ In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
♥ Now, you need to add 1 finely chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, & 2 chopped celery.
♥ Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
♥ Add 3–4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
♥ Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary. Add 1 bay leaf for depth.
🧑🍳 Chef’s Tip: Sautéing the herbs in butter releases their essential oils and maximizes flavor!
🥄 Step 2: Create the Roux (For Creaminess)
♥ To get that luscious, creamy texture—without drowning in cream—you’ll need a roux.
♥ Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables.
♥ Stir it perfectly for at least 2 minutes, to cook out the raw flour taste.
♥ The mixture will become thick and paste-like.
🧑🍳 Chef’s Tip: Keep the flour moving—don’t let it brown. This step is about building texture, not color.
🍗 Step 3: Add the Broth and Chicken
♥Time to add the body of the soup.
♥ Gradually pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, stirring as you pour to dissolve the roux evenly.
♥ Add 1 pound of raw, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks, or use 2 cups of shredded, pre-cooked, or rotisserie chicken.
♥ Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
🧑🍳 Chef’s Tip: If using raw chicken, you can shred it after it cooks in the soup—just remove, shred, and return to the pot later.
» Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, especially in the Instant Pot or Crockpot. Just ensure it’s cooked through.
🍚 Step 4: Add the Rice
♥ Stir in 3/4 cup of uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine preferred).
♥ Now reduce the heat to medium flame & simmer it gently for at least 20 minutes, until you get the soft and tender rice & chicken is perfectly cooked.
🔁 Optional: Stir occasionally so the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom and burn.
Can I use leftover rice?
Yes, stir it in near the end to avoid mushiness.
🥛 Step 5: Stir in the Cream
♥ Now, it’s time to make this soup creamy,
♥ Reduce the heat to low.
♥ Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk (or plant-based substitute like oat or almond milk).
♥ Cook for another 5 minutes, just to heat through—do not boil.
🧑🍳 Chef’s Tip: If you want ultra-rich soup, add a splash of sour cream or cream cheese at this stage for an extra tang and silkiness.
How do I avoid curdling when adding cream?
Lower the heat before adding cream and never let it boil. Stir gently and slowly to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without separating.
🧂 Step 6: Taste, Adjust, and Finish
♥ Remove the bay leaf.
♥ Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
♥ Stir in chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving for a pop of freshness.
♥ If the soup has thickened too much, thin it with a splash of broth or milk until the desired consistency is reached.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Swap in unsweetened almond or oat milk and use olive oil instead of butter.
🔁 Optional: How to Shred Chicken (If Using Raw)
» If you started with raw chicken chunks:
» Now you can take out the perfectly cooked chicken pieces from the soup.
» Shred using two forks or a hand mixer.
» Return shredded chicken to the soup and stir.
✅ You’re Done!
» Now you can garnish with parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese & serve with a smile.
» This method gives you a soup that’s:
- Creamy but not heavy
- Full of flavor
- Packed with protein and fiber
- Completely satisfying!
Ingredient Substitutes for This Chicken Soup Recipe
» Whether you’re working with pantry staples or have dietary restrictions, here are easy and effective ingredient substitutes to keep your soup delicious:
🍗 Chicken Substitutes
» Rotisserie chicken – For a quick, flavorful shortcut
» Turkey – Works great, especially after holidays
» Tofu or white beans – For a vegetarian or plant-based option
» Shredded pork or beef – For a heartier twist
🍚 Rice Substitutes
» Quinoa – Adds protein and cooks quickly
» Cauliflower rice – Low-carb and keto-friendly
🥛 Cream Substitutes
» Half-and-half – Lighter than cream, still rich
» Evaporated milk – Shelf-stable and smooth
» Coconut milk – Dairy-free with a slight sweetness
» Oat or almond milk – Plant-based and mild
» Cream cheese or sour cream – For tangy, thick creaminess
🍞 Flour Substitutes (for roux)
» Cornstarch slurry – Mix with cold water and stir in at the end
» Arrowroot or tapioca starch – Great gluten-free thickeners
» Mashed potatoes or blended soup base – Natural thickening without added starch
🧈 Butter Substitutes
» Olive oil or avocado oil – Heart-healthy and neutral flavor
» Ghee – Adds a rich, nutty depth
» Plant-based butter – For dairy-free cooking
🧅 Vegetable Substitutes
» Leeks instead of onions – Milder and sweeter
» Parsnips or sweet potatoes – Instead of carrots
» Zucchini or bell peppers – In place of celery
» Frozen veggie mix – A time-saving option
🧂 Broth Substitutes
» Vegetable broth – For vegetarian versions
» Bone broth – Adds richness and nutrients
» Bouillon + water – Budget-friendly alternative
» Homemade stock – Best flavor if you’ve got the time
These swaps make the soup adaptable for dietary needs, ingredient availability, or just a creative twist on the original.
Cooking Methods: Stovetop, Crockpot, Instant Pot
This soup adapts to your lifestyle. Choose what works best:
🔥 Stovetop
» Ready in 45 minutes
» Best for layered flavor
» Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking
🐢 Crockpot
» 6–8 hours on low flame or 3–4 hours on high flame.
» Add cream at the end to avoid curdling
» Great for busy weekdays
⚡ Instant Pot
» 10 minutes on high pressure
» Quick release and stir in cream
» Perfect for fast, flavorful meals
Tips For the Perfect Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup
♥ Sauté onions, garlic & celery for flavor.
♥ Use cooked or shredded chicken for ease.
♥ Pick long-grain rice to avoid mushiness.
♥ Simmer gently — don’t boil.
♥ Add cream at the end over low heat.
♥ Stir often to prevent sticking.
♥ Season in layers — taste as you go.
♥ Use roux or slurry for a thicker texture.
♥ Reheat with broth to loosen thick soup.
♥ Make ahead — it tastes better the next day!
🧊 Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Soups like this were made for meal prep!
- Fridge: You can store this soup in an air-tight box for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze before adding cream (cream can separate). Add it fresh when reheating
- Reheat: Warm slowly on the stove over medium-low heat. Add broth or milk if it thickens too much
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store without cream, then add it while reheating for the best texture.
🧄 Flavor Variations & Add-ins
Make it your own with these delicious twists:
- Spicy Touch: Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños are the options
- Herby Love: Toss in extra fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill
- Protein Swaps: Turkey, tofu, or shredded rotisserie chicken
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or corn
- Low-Carb: Cauliflower rice in place of traditional rice
Serving Ideas with Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
» This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe is hearty enough to shine as a main dish—but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to a restaurant-level experience.
Here are some delicious accompaniments to serve.
♥ Crusty Bread & Rolls – Sourdough, garlic toast, or soft dinner rolls for dipping.
♥ Grilled Cheese or Sandwiches – Melty cheese or turkey melts pair perfectly.
♥ Fresh Salads – Garden or Caesar salads add a crisp, refreshing contrast.
♥ Crackers & Breadsticks – Easy and crunchy sides like cheese crackers or garlic breadsticks.
♥ Toppings – Sprinkle with parsley, parmesan, croutons, or crispy bacon.
♥ Drinks – You can pair with chilled wine, tea, or sparkling water.
♥ Light Desserts – Finish with fruit sorbet, lemon bars, or oatmeal cookies.
🍽️ Complete Meal Idea
- Starter: Garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Main: You can pair with garlic toast
- Side: Parmesan breadsticks or butter crackers
- Dessert: A mini fruit parfait with honey drizzle
Alternate Recipes You Can Try
If you loved this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe, you’ll want to try these comforting and hearty recipes next:
» Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup – Hearty, cheesy, and slow-cooked to perfection.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
» Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Soup – Light, nourishing, and full of flavor.
» Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup – Vegetarian and comforting with earthy depth.
» Garlic Butter Chicken Noodle Soup – Classic with a bold, buttery twist.
» Southwest Chicken Corn Chowder – Spicy, creamy, and loaded with bold flavors.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Here are the nutritional facts for one serving of Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe (approx. 1½ cups), based on a standard recipe using whole milk, long-grain rice, cooked chicken breast, butter, and basic vegetables:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320–380 kcal |
| Protein | 22–25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28–32 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2–3 g |
| Sugars | 4–5 g |
| Total Fat | 15–18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7–9 g |
| Cholesterol | 65–80 mg |
| Sodium | 650–800 mg |
| Potassium | 400–500 mg |
| Vitamin A | 25–30% DV |
| Vitamin C | 10–12% DV |
| Calcium | 10–15% DV |
| Iron | 6–8% DV |
📝 Notes:
Nutrition will vary based on ingredients (e.g., milk vs. cream, white vs. brown rice, or added cheese).
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe Card
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté veggies: In a large pot, melt butter and sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrots until soft (about 5–6 minutes).
- Add flour (if using): Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.
- Pour in broth & add rice: Stir slowly while adding the chicken broth. Add rice and thyme.
- Simmer: Now boil the soup, reduce the heat and simmer it gently for at least for 25 minutes until you get the perfectly cooked.
- Add chicken & cream: Stir in shredded chicken and milk or cream. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes.
- Adjust seasonings: Add salt, pepper, and optional veggies. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Rest & serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken naturally.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk or oat cream.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days; add broth when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux or skip flour and thicken with cornstarch or blended potatoes. Always check broth and cream labels for hidden gluten.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works well. Brown or wild rice adds texture but takes longer to cook. Avoid instant rice, as it may turn mushy.
What’s the best cream substitute?
Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or plant-based alternatives like oat cream or coconut milk are great options. Each brings a slightly different flavor and texture.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Yes! Add peas, spinach, corn, mushrooms, or kale during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking. It adds nutrition, color, and texture without overpowering the creamy base.
What herbs go best with this soup?
Thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and parsley are perfect choices. Fresh or dried herbs both work, but fresh herbs added at the end provide the brightest flavor.
How do I thicken the soup recipe naturally?
Let the soup simmer uncovered to reduce. You can also mash a few cooked potatoes or blend a small portion for a thicker consistency without flour or cream.
My Final Thoughts
There you have it—your ultimate guide to the Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe 2025! Whether you’re serving it up on a chilly night or prepping a big batch for the week, this soup delivers warmth, flavor, and feel-good satisfaction.
Ready to dive in?
Whip up a pot today and let comfort come calling. 🍲 Don’t forget to save this recipe or share it with someone who loves cozy meals. If you have any thoughts, write to me in the comment section below!
Until next time—stay warm, stay well-fed, and keep cooking with heart.
