What’s the best creamy chicken and rice soup?

The best creamy chicken and rice soup is one that balances flavor, texture, and comfort. Use chicken thighs for tenderness, long-grain rice to prevent mushiness, and heavy cream or half-and-half for a silky finish. Adding fresh herbs like thyme and parsley gives it a restaurant-quality taste while keeping it approachable for home cooking.

How do I make old fashioned creamy chicken and rice soup?

Old fashioned versions focus on simple, wholesome ingredients. Start by simmering chicken with onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in broth. Add long-grain rice and let it cook slowly until tender. Finish with cream and butter for richness. This method avoids shortcuts and gives you that nostalgic “made from scratch” flavor.

How to make cream of chicken rice soup, restaurant style?

Restaurant-style soups usually have a smoother, silkier texture. Achieve this at home by making a roux (butter and flour) before adding broth and rice. Stir in cream at the end and adjust with salt, pepper, and a garnish of parsley. For extra polish, some chefs strain part of the broth so the final soup is velvety and elegant.

What’s the easiest creamy chicken and rice soup?

The easiest version is made with shortcuts like rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked rice, and store-bought broth. Add vegetables, simmer briefly, then stir in cream. This method gives you a hearty bowl in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing comfort.

Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup – The Best Comfort Recipe

Name: Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded); 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and black pepper to taste

Description

A hearty and cozy soup made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy broth. This comforting recipe is perfect for chilly nights or family dinners, with easy step-by-step instructions and simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 cup long-grain white rice (or wild rice blend for variation)
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free option)
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

For meal prep: cook rice separately and add it when reheating to prevent mushiness.
To make it dairy-free: substitute with coconut milk or almond milk.
To freeze: freeze without rice and add fresh rice when reheating.

Notes

For meal prep: cook rice separately and add it when reheating to prevent mushiness.

To make it dairy-free: substitute with coconut milk or almond milk.

To freeze: freeze without rice and add fresh rice when reheating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken and rice soup, comfort soup recipe, hearty creamy soup