There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when the weather turns chilly or you just need something cozy to lift your spirits. This Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect bowl of comfort—rich, velvety, and packed with tender chicken, hearty rice, and a creamy, flavorful broth.
This soup reminds me of those slow, peaceful afternoons when all you want to do is curl up with a blanket and enjoy a home-cooked meal. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, whether it’s for a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even just a self-care meal to nourish your soul.
Unlike traditional chicken soups that rely on noodles, this one features rice, which makes it extra hearty and satisfying. The creamy texture combined with aromatic herbs and spices gives it a depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. If you love a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this one’s for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy & Satisfying – The rich, velvety texture makes every spoonful feel indulgent.
- Hearty & Filling – Thanks to the rice and tender chicken, this soup is a complete meal on its own.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – Made with everyday ingredients but tastes like it came from a restaurant.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – This soup stores well, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Customizable – Easily adapt it to your preferences with different veggies, spices, or even dairy-free alternatives.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup white rice, cooked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup
Making this soup is easier than you think, and it all comes together in just a few simple steps!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. The kitchen will start filling with that delicious homey aroma—always a good sign that comfort food is on the way!
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Base
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where your soup starts to develop that deep, comforting taste.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste while creating a thickening base for the soup.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously, followed by the heavy cream. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly. This creamy roux will give the soup that luscious, silky texture.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Rice
Stir the shredded chicken and cooked rice into the soup, followed by the frozen peas. Pour in the creamy mixture and stir everything together. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a splash of broth or milk. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate cozy meal!
Helpful Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience – If you’re short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this soup.
- Make It Dairy-Free – Swap out the heavy cream and milk for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- Try Different Rice Varieties – While white rice is classic, you can use brown rice for extra fiber or even wild rice for a nutty flavor.
- Add More Veggies – Feel free to toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and texture.
- For a Thicker Soup – Let it simmer a bit longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made dairy-free
Notes
- Leftovers thicken as they sit because the rice absorbs more liquid. If reheating, add a bit of broth or milk to loosen it up.
- This soup is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later (see storage instructions below).
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to match your personal taste preference.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Estimated values:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is great for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat as needed. Just add a little extra liquid when reheating, as the rice will absorb some of the broth.
Can I freeze this soup?
Since it contains dairy and rice, freezing can slightly change the texture. However, if you plan to freeze it, leave out the rice and dairy, then add them fresh when reheating.
What can I serve with this soup?
A slice of crusty bread, a warm biscuit, or even a simple side salad pairs beautifully with this soup.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickener instead.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, adding extra broth or milk if needed.
- Freezer: For best results, freeze without the rice and cream, then add them when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
This Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup is everything you need in a cozy, homemade meal—warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a sick day remedy, or just a comforting meal for yourself, it’s bound to become a favorite.
Try this recipe today, and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite way to enjoy a warm bowl of soup?
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Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup
Description
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when the weather turns chilly or you just need something cozy to lift your spirits. This Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect bowl of comfort—rich, velvety, and packed with tender chicken, hearty rice, and a creamy, flavorful broth.
This soup reminds me of those slow, peaceful afternoons when all you want to do is curl up with a blanket and enjoy a home-cooked meal. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, whether it’s for a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even just a self-care meal to nourish your soul.
Unlike traditional chicken soups that rely on noodles, this one features rice, which makes it extra hearty and satisfying. The creamy texture combined with aromatic herbs and spices gives it a depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. If you love a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this one’s for you!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup white rice, cooked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. The kitchen will start filling with that delicious homey aroma—always a good sign that comfort food is on the way!
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Base
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where your soup starts to develop that deep, comforting taste.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste while creating a thickening base for the soup.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously, followed by the heavy cream. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly. This creamy roux will give the soup that luscious, silky texture.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Rice
Stir the shredded chicken and cooked rice into the soup, followed by the frozen peas. Pour in the creamy mixture and stir everything together. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a splash of broth or milk. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate cozy meal!
Notes
- Leftovers thicken as they sit because the rice absorbs more liquid. If reheating, add a bit of broth or milk to loosen it up.
- This soup is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later (see storage instructions below).
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to match your personal taste preference.