Description
Chicken and Rice Soup is creamy, comforting, and easy to make. Tender chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and rice simmer in a velvety broth that thickens naturally as the grains cook. This stovetop Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup yields 10 hearty servings—perfect for family dinners or make-ahead lunches. Rich but balanced, it satisfies cravings without fuss, finished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt (more to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for extra thickness)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in rice, chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk flour into the milk (if using), then stir it into the soup along with the cream.
- Simmer another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and thickened.
- Add spinach if using and cook just until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For gluten-free, omit flour or use gluten-free flour.
- Leftovers thicken as it sits; add more broth or milk to reach desired consistency.
- To make dairy-free, substitute coconut milk and dairy-free cream.
- Storing: refrigerate up to 3–4 days; freeze up to 3 months.
- To lighten, use low-fat milk and reduce cream to ½ cup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: Approx. 320
- Sugar: Approx. 6 g
- Sodium: Approx. 520 mg
- Fat: Approx. 22 g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 28 g
- Fiber: Approx. 2 g
- Protein: Approx. 25 g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 80 mg
Keywords: Chicken and Rice Soup, Creamy Chicken Rice Soup, Easy Soup, Comfort Food, Hearty Soup, Creamy Soup, Chicken Soup, Winter Dinner, Family Favorite, One-Pot Soup