Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food classics, Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a staple that stands out for its cozy flavor and simple, hearty appeal. This one-pot meal is not just warming and filling—it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Its rich, velvety broth and wholesome mix of chicken, tender rice, and vegetables create a soup that’s satisfying for all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

What sets this soup apart is its perfectly creamy texture, achieved without heavy cream overload, and its balanced medley of aromatics and fresh herbs. The rice adds substance, while shredded chicken delivers bonus protein and flavor depth. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it’s endlessly adaptable—stir in your favorite veggies or herbs for a personalized touch.

The Secret to Ultra-Creamy Texture

To make the base rich and smooth, you’ll create a roux of flour and butter, then gently add broth and milk to thicken. Stirring in the cooked rice at the end keeps it tender but not mushy, and shredded chicken transforms the soup into a meal. For extra flavor, fresh parsley, thyme, and a hint of garlic round out every spoonful.

How to Assemble an Irresistible Chicken and Rice Soup

Start by sautéing onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until aromatic. Add flour, then gently incorporate your broth and milk for creaminess without heaviness. Once the soup simmers, add cooked rice and chicken. Finish with a handful of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs or a swirl of cream for presentation.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Pair this soup with a rustic bread, toasted baguette, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for lunch thermoses, dinner leftovers, or freeze-ahead portions for busy weeks. Add a sprinkle of black pepper or a generous handful of chopped parsley before serving for a fresh finish.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 6 and delivers about 320 calories per serving, making it filling yet balanced. Protein-rich chicken, fiber from rice and veggies, and a creamy (but not too heavy) broth make it a nutritious, well-rounded meal.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recap

This recipe will quickly become a go-to for easy weeknight comfort. Creamy, protein-packed, and loaded with veggies, it’s a wholesome option when you crave old-fashioned soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined weekly meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux.
3. Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Stir well to avoid lumps.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add chicken, cooked rice, thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste.
5. Stir in milk (or half & half) and continue to simmer for an additional 5–8 minutes, until soup is thickened and heated through. (If soup is too thick, add a splash more broth.)
6. Taste and adjust seasonings. Stir in parsley right before serving. For extra brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
7. Serve hot with garnishes of choice. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days (add a splash of milk when reheating).

Weekly Meal Planning

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is excellent for meal prep and weekly planning. Save and schedule this recipe in your meal plan to automatically generate smart shopping lists and optimize your meal prep routine.

Planning Benefits:

• Efficiently calculates ingredient quantities when planning for the week
• Organizes a single, consolidated shopping list by grocery store section
• Prevents overbuying and forgotten ingredients
• Makes meal prep smoother and helps you save time

Pro tip: Schedule your recipes to maximize ingredient overlap—for example, use extra carrots and parsley from another planned meal to reduce waste and simplify shopping.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes