Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup – Easy, Comforting & Delicious!

Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup is one of those recipes that instantly wraps you in warmth and comfort—a super easy, cozy bowl that feels like a big hug on a chilly day. This recipe is my go-to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and downright satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding four hungry folks, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a bowl to take to a friend in need. Ever pull off a recipe that makes everyone think you slaved all day? This soup is exactly that kind of magic.

Why You’ll Love Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe

This soup is creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken, veggies, and rice that soak up all that goodness. It’s the kind of recipe where everything simmers in one pot (hello, easy cleanup!) and still tastes like you spent hours working your magic. The creaminess comes from a luscious mix of milk and a slight thickening agent, making the broth rich without being heavy. Also, the rice adds the perfect hint of heartiness—it’s just the right texture, never mushy or overdone. Honestly, the best part? You get to customize it a bit with whatever veggies or seasonings suit your taste that day.

Chicken & Rice Soup Cooking Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken & Rice Soup (for 4 servings)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup uncooked white long-grain rice
• 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions of Chicken & Rice Soup

1. Get your veggies going. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until everything’s softened and smelling amazing. Then mix in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute. Don’t skip this step—those softened veggies are where the flavor party starts!
2. Add the chicken and spices. Throw in your chicken pieces along with the thyme and bay leaf. Cook until the chicken begins to brown lightly, about 5 minutes. This builds so much flavor, and seeing that golden color makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar.
3. Time to bring in the broth and rice. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the uncooked rice. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly askew and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the rice doesn’t stick. The chicken will cook fully right in the broth, getting tender and juicy.
4. Make it creamy. While the soup simmers, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. Cook this roux for about 2 minutes, then slowly whisk in the milk. Keep stirring until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes. This is the secret sauce to creamy perfection—without it, the soup’s just broth and chicken.
5. Finish it up. Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the creamy milk mixture, combining everything nice and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Tips, Tricks & Variations of Chicken & Rice Soup

• Don’t panic if you’re fresh out of long-grain rice—brown rice or wild rice work too, but they’ll need a longer cook time.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, richer meat.
• For an extra veggie boost, toss in some chopped broccoli or peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Feel like a little zing? A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the whole bowl.
• Leftovers? Rice soaks up broth quickly. Store rice separately and add it just before reheating if you want soup that’s not too thick.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Chicken & Rice Soup

• This soup refrigerates beautifully for up to 3 days, perfect for meal prep or busy weekday dinners.
• Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash more broth or water if it feels too thick.
• You can also freeze it—but leave out the rice if you plan to freeze, then add cooked rice fresh when you reheat.

Serving Suggestions

Nothing beats a big bowl of this creamy Chicken & Rice Soup with some homemade or store-bought crusty bread on the side. A simple side salad or steamed green beans round out the comfort perfectly. If you want to keep things cozy and casual, this soup pairs well with a blanket and your favorite TV show.

So there you have it! A cozy, creamy Chicken & Rice Soup that’s so darn good, easy to make, and sure to become a chapter in your cookbook of comfort dishes. Give it a whirl this weekend and watch it disappear. Tag me if you try it — you’re gonna want to brag about this one.