Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

Name: Creamy Chicken Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup white rice, rinsed; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty Inspiration

I can't help but feel comforted every time I make this creamy chicken rice soup. Each spoonful is a warm embrace, reminding me of chilly evenings spent with family around the dinner table. The balance of tender chicken, hearty rice, and rich cream creates a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe allows me to whip up a satisfying meal in under an hour, making it a staple in my kitchen. Once you try it, I guarantee it will become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire!

Created by

Kerensa Trelawney

Last updated on 2026-02-02T00:37:36.477Z

As I crafted this creamy chicken rice soup, the aromas enveloped my kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere that instantly warmed my heart. I experimented with adding fresh herbs from my garden, which truly elevated the flavor profile. What worked wonders for me was allowing the soup to simmer gently, letting each ingredient meld together beautifully for a rich, creamy finish.

One of the standout moments was when I decided to sprinkle some lemon juice just before serving. It added a burst of brightness that cut through the richness, making every bite a delightful surprise. I love sharing this soup with friends during gatherings; it never fails to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy base that envelops the tender chicken and rice
Perfectly seasoned for a hearty, satisfying meal
Quick to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights

The Importance of Ingredients

Every ingredient in this creamy chicken rice soup plays a crucial role in crafting its rich flavor profile. The use of shredded chicken serves not only as the protein source but also helps enhance the overall heartiness of the dish. I prefer using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, as it adds a deeper flavor and saves time. If you don’t have any on hand, poaching chicken breasts in the soup broth for about 15-20 minutes works as an effective substitute, giving you deliciously tender meat.

In addition, the combination of onion, carrots, and celery creates a classic mirepoix, forming a flavor base that’s essential in soups. Sautéing these vegetables until they become translucent—approximately 5 minutes—ensures that they release their natural sweetness, balancing the soup's creaminess. If you want to add a kick, consider incorporating a diced jalapeño or spices like smoked paprika to add complexity and warmth.

Mastering the Cooking Techniques

The steps in this recipe are designed to maximize flavor while keeping preparation time short. When sautéing the vegetables, be careful not to rush this step. Cooking them until they are soft and the onion is translucent lets the flavors bloom, enhancing the overall taste of the soup. Using medium heat is ideal; too high, and you risk burning the ingredients, which could impart a bitter taste that may ruin the creamy texture you seek.

Another key technique is adjusting the heat before adding the heavy cream. You want to reduce the heat to low after the soup has simmered for about 20 minutes with rice. This prevents the cream from curdling, which is crucial for achieving that velvety finish. Stirring the cream in gently ensures it blends well without separating, resulting in a luxurious mouthfeel that defines this soup.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup white rice, rinsed
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're set to make this delicious soup!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your creamy chicken rice soup.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, sautéing until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Cook the Rice

Stir in the rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors from the sautéed vegetables.

Add Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded chicken and thyme. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Final Touches

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through before serving.

Enjoy your warm and creamy chicken rice soup!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving enhances the taste.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This creamy chicken rice soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to make it ahead, consider leaving out the heavy cream until you’re ready to serve. This helps to preserve the soup's freshness and prevents it from thickening too much during storage. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the soup's consistency, as it tends to thicken when chilled.

For longer storage, you can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. To do this, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. When it’s time to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat over low heat on the stovetop until warmed through, adjusting with a bit of broth as needed.

Delicious Variations

There are many ways to customize this creamy chicken rice soup to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, like coconut milk. Keep in mind that coconut milk will impart a slight coconut flavor, which some might enjoy. You could also substitute the rice with quinoa or orzo for a different texture and nutrition profile.

Adding greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a vibrant color and freshness to the dish. Stir in about 2 cups of chopped greens just a few minutes before serving to allow them to wilt without losing their bright hue.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted chicken works perfectly in this soup.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter option.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add peas, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.