A Little Soup-y Tale Before We Begin…
So, picture this. It’s a rainy Tuesday. My socks are wet, my to-do list is terrifying, and I’ve just realized there’s absolutely nothing edible in the fridge—unless I plan on crunching on a questionable carrot and some expired hummus.
But then I remember… I have rice, chicken, a few veggies, and some leftover cream in the back of the fridge that’s still good (I did the sniff test, obviously). Ten minutes later, I’m standing in the kitchen with my apron on, channeling my inner soup wizard.
And folks the result? The most soul-soothing, belly-hugging, mood-lifting creamy chicken and rice soup I’ve ever made.
Moral of the story? When life gets rainy, make soup.
This creamy chicken and rice soup is loaded with tender chicken, veggies, and rice, all wrapped up in a luxuriously creamy broth. Whether you're whipping up the classic version, going a little wild with the creamy chicken and wild rice soup, or craving something oven-baked like the creamy chicken and rice bake, this recipe has you covered.
It’s easy, cozy, and totally customizable. Perfect for a lazy Sunday lunch or a midweek pick-me-up.
- Cook the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, just until fragrant. - Add Chicken & Broth
Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and pour in the chicken broth.
Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. - Add Rice
Stir in the rice (white or wild). Reduce heat to medium-low.
Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
(Note: If using wild rice, simmer for 30–35 minutes.) - Make the Cream Base
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and cook until the mixture thickens (about 2–3 minutes). - Combine Everything
Pour the creamy roux into the soup pot and stir well.
Let the soup simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly and let the flavors blend.
Add optional mushrooms or spinach if using. Adjust seasoning. - Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with cracked black pepper, chopped parsley, or even a little grated cheese on top. Serve with crusty bread, a grilled cheese, or straight up with a spoon and a smile.
A hearty soup with a rich texture and a great balance of carbs, protein, and fat — perfect for a satisfying meal.
- Calories:420 kcal
- Protein:28g
- Carbohydrates:30g
- Fat:22g
- Saturated Fat :10g
- Fiber:2g
- Sugar:3g
- Sodium:780mg
- Calcium :110mg
- Iron:2.5mg
A warm hug in a bowl that’s easy to make and impossible to resist
🍽️ Want to Bake It Instead?
Try this twist:
Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake
- Combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, sautéed veggies, cream, and cheese in a casserole dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and shredded cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Boom — same cozy flavors, new texture, and a crispy topping!
🧠 Pro Tips
- Rotisserie chicken works great to save time.
- Use leftover rice and add it at the end if you don’t want to wait for it to cook.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or white wine for a bit of brightness.
- Make it dairy-free with coconut milk or plant-based cream.
- Need it gluten-free? Skip the roux and thicken with cornstarch slurry instead.
🥣 Variations to Try
- Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: Earthy, nutty wild rice adds texture and flavor depth. Great with mushrooms!
- Spicy Southwest Style: Add cumin, paprika, corn, and black beans.
- Herbed Version: Add fresh rosemary, sage, or basil for garden-fresh flavor.
❄️ Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in batches (minus the rice, which can go mushy).
- Reheat: Warm slowly on the stove, adding broth or water as needed to loosen.
💬 What People Say
“Tastes like a cozy blanket in soup form!”
— Jenny, soup lover & carb enthusiast
“My picky kids asked for seconds. That NEVER happens.”
— Mark, tired dad turned soup convert
✨ Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken and rice soup is everything we love in comfort food: warmth, flavor, simplicity, and just the right amount of indulgence. Whether you’re going classic, wild, or baked, you’re in for something special. It’s the kind of soup that turns “meh” days into memorable ones and brings people to the table with zero complaints.
So grab a spoon, crank up your favorite playlist, and get cooking. Your soul will thank you. 💛
