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 jasmine rice, uncooked; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Family Collection

I absolutely love making Creamy Chicken Rice Soup on chilly days. It brings warmth and comfort while being rich and satisfying, thanks to that luscious creaminess. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables creates a bowl of pure delight! I often prepare this on weekends, so I can enjoy leftovers during the busy week. It's the perfect way to cozy up with family and share a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Created by

Helena Whitby

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:45:36.689Z

Creating this Creamy Chicken Rice Soup was an experiment in finding the right balance of flavors. I wanted a recipe that would embody the ultimate comfort food, so I chose to incorporate fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, which add a bright freshness. As the soup simmers, those herbs infuse the broth, turning it into a dreamy, fragrant dish that warms the soul.

I also learned that using day-old rice gives the soup the perfect texture; it holds up well without becoming mushy. By cooking the chicken in the broth, it infuses flavor into the soup while ensuring tender pieces that blend seamlessly with the creamy base.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy texture that soothes the soul
Tender chicken pieces are bursting with flavor
Hearty and filling yet easy to make

      

The Importance of Ingredients

The quality of ingredients plays a crucial role in the overall taste of your Creamy Chicken Rice Soup. Using fresh vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutrition to the dish. Aim for vibrant carrots and crisp celery, which will impart a natural sweetness as they cook. The choice of chicken is equally important; rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken will give you that rich flavor and tenderness we crave in a comforting soup.

Jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrant aroma, but you can substitute it with other rice types like basmati or long-grain if necessary. Keep in mind that different rice varieties may require adjustments in cooking time. For a creamier texture, using a higher-fat heavy cream will maintain that luxurious mouthfeel; however, half-and-half or evaporated milk can work as lighter alternatives. Just bear in mind that these substitutions may alter the richness of the soup.

Tips for Perfecting Your Soup

When sautéing the vegetables, watch for them to soften but not brown, as burning can add an unwanted bitterness to your soup. Stir frequently and use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution. If you accidentally overcook the garlic, simply add a few fresh minced cloves at the end to bring back the desired garlic flavor without the bitterness.

While simmering the broth and rice, check for doneness around the 15-minute mark. Jasmine rice cooks quickly and should be tender without becoming mushy. If using a different rice type, you may need to adjust timing. Always allow the soup to sit covered off the heat for a few minutes before serving, as this helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a comforting bowl of soup:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup jasmine rice, uncooked
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your comforting soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add Broth and Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the uncooked jasmine rice, thyme, and parsley. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender.

Incorporate Chicken and Cream

Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream, cooking for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy creation!

Pro Tips

For extra richness, consider using homemade chicken broth. It adds an incredible depth of flavor!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare Creamy Chicken Rice Soup ahead of time, which makes it an excellent option for meal prep. Simply follow the recipe steps and store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Once cooled, portion it out for easy serving throughout the week. To reheat, warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.

If you're planning to freeze the soup, skip adding the heavy cream until you reheat it. This prevents the cream from separating during freezing. Portion out the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. The soup will keep well for up to three months, but for the best quality, try to consume it within one month.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Chicken Rice Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. I love to serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for an added pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon just before serving can lend a bright acidity that offsets the creaminess beautifully, enhancing every bite.

For a fun twist, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the finished soup for a touch of heat. Alternatively, you can elevate the soup further with toppings such as crispy bacon bits or fried onions for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and makes this recipe even quicker.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version, but the texture will differ slightly.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze it, but the rice may absorb some liquid upon reheating, so you might need to add more broth.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and verify that the rice is gluten-free.