If you’re looking for a comforting, rich, and satisfying bowl of warmth, you’ll love this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I crave something hearty but still cozy and soothing — all in one spoonful. The tender chicken, silky creamy broth, and tender rice come together so perfectly, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor Layers: The mix of herbs, spices, and a touch of hot sauce creates a deep, comforting flavor without overwhelming the palate.
Creamy Texture: Using half and half with starch from cooking rice right in the soup gives it a luscious, velvety feel without heavy cream.
Simple Ingredients, Big Results: Everyday pantry staples come together to create an impressive, cozy meal anyone can make.
One-Pot Ease: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and the process straightforward, even for beginners.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, hearty chicken and rice soup, comforting chicken soup recipe, creamy chicken and rice dinner, easy chicken and rice comfort food - A close-up view of a thick, creamy soup cooked in a white inside, blue outside large pot with two handles, showing a smooth, light yellow base with visible small chunks of orange carrots, pale green celery, and light beige chicken pieces scattered throughout. The soup has specks of black pepper and herbs evenly mixed in, giving it texture and depth. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, with a small dish of grated cheese blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This soup is a beautiful blend of fresh herbs, aromatic vegetables, and tender chicken, all thickened by rice and a whisper of flour for extra creaminess. Knowing why each ingredient plays its role helps you tweak or swap confidently.

Chicken Thighs: I use thighs because they stay juicy and tender, cooking up way more flavorful than breast meat.
Kosher Salt: It seasons the chicken and veggies better than table salt because of its texture and purity.
Italian Seasoning: Adds an herby base that pairs beautifully with the fresh thyme and rosemary.
Mustard Powder: Just a pinch adds a subtle tang and depth, boosting overall flavor.
Paprika & Chili Flakes: For a gentle smoky warmth and just a touch of kick.
Butter: The perfect fat for sautéing — adds richness and helps soften aromatics.
Yellow Onion, Carrots & Celery: Classic mirepoix veggies bring sweetness and savory balance.
Garlic: Must-have aromatic that wakes up all the other flavors.
Fresh Thyme and Rosemary: Nothing beats fresh herbs for brightness and fragrance in soup.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup slightly when combined with butter for a roux-like finish.
Chicken Broth: The hearty base for the soup – homemade even better, but store-bought works fine.
Half and Half: Adds creaminess without being too heavy or greasy.
Soy Sauce: Umami magic that enhances savory notes without tasting “Asian” necessarily.
Hot Sauce: I love a splash for balancing creaminess with a subtle zing.
Long Grain White Rice: Cooks right in the soup, thickening it and adding comforting texture.
Parmesan Cheese, Black Pepper, Fresh Parsley: Perfect finishing touches for garnish and extra flavor layers.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

What I love most about this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe is how easily it bends to your preferences — you can tone the heat up or down, swap herbs, or make it lighter without losing any of its comforting charm.

Make it spicier: I sometimes add extra chili flakes or a few dashes of my favorite hot sauce to give it a bit more pop—especially if I’m craving heat on a chilly day.
Use chicken breast: If you prefer leaner meat, breast works fine, but watch cooking time closely to avoid drying it out.
Dairy-Free Variation: Substitute coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based cream for half and half—I’ve tried this and it’s surprisingly good!
Add veggies: Feel free to toss in mushrooms or spinach near the end for extra nutrition and texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken Like a Pro

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and tossing them in a bowl with kosher salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes. I like to give the chicken a good stir and let it rest while I prep the veggies — this way the flavors soak in a little bit before hitting the pan. Trust me, this simple step adds so much depth.

Step 2: Sauté Your Mirepoix with Butter

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat, then melt your butter. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, sprinkling with kosher salt to help pull out their natural sweetness. Stir now and then for about 5–7 minutes until veggies soften and smell incredible. Toss in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds—you don’t want burnt garlic here, just fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken and Add Herbs

Next, add your seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken loses its pink color. Right after that, stir in the chopped fresh thyme and rosemary. Fresh herbs really brighten this soup, so don’t skip them if you can help it!

Step 4: Build Creaminess with Flour and Liquids

Sprinkle the flour over your chicken and veggies and stir well to coat everything evenly. This little step gives the soup a silky body later on. Then, slowly pour in chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and hot sauce, stirring to combine. The soy sauce adds a subtle umami punch, and the hot sauce brings a gentle heat that keeps it interesting.

Step 5: Add Rice and Simmer to Perfection

Pour in the uncooked long grain white rice and stir to distribute evenly. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and let it gently simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll want to stir frequently to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom. The rice cooks right in the soup, releasing starches that naturally thicken the broth—no heavy cream needed.

Step 6: Final Seasoning & Serve

Give your soup a taste and adjust seasoning with additional hot sauce, salt, or pepper as you like. Then ladle it into bowls and garnish with shaved Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of freshness. It’s the kinda bowl you want to nestle into with a good book or share with friends on a chilly night.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Use Bone-In Stock if Possible: If you can, homemade chicken broth or a quality bone-in stock makes a noticeable difference in flavor richness.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Letting the rice cook at a gentle simmer ensures creamy texture without mushy rice.
Stir Regularly: Keeps rice from sticking and burning on the bottom — I set a timer to remind myself every 5 minutes.
Adjust Thickness After Cooking: You might need to add more broth when reheating leftovers since rice absorbs liquid and thickens the soup further.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a nice shaving of Parmesan cheese for nuttiness, freshly cracked black pepper to boost aroma, and a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color and a subtle herbal note. These little touches make it feel extra special, and a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten it up in a pinch.

Side Dishes

A crusty loaf of bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect to dunk into this soup and soak up every last bit. I also like a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess and add some freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings or cozy dinners, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—everyone loves the rustic fun and extra bread! You can also garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots for a crunch contrast if you want to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Since the rice continues to absorb broth, the soup thickens quite a bit — I usually loosen it with a bit of broth or water before reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, though the texture of rice can change slightly. I tend to freeze in individual portions so I can thaw only what I want. Reheat gently on the stove with extra broth to regain creaminess.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding small amounts of broth or water as needed until it reaches pouring consistency again. Microwaving works too, but can sometimes dry out the chicken a bit.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but keep in mind they can dry out quicker. Cook just until no longer pink and avoid overcooking for the best tender results.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken. Make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well, or use tamari.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

You sure can! It actually tastes even better the next day once flavors meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of broth to thin it out if needed.
How spicy is the Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe?

It has a mild warmth from paprika, chili flakes, and hot sauce, but if you prefer more or less spice, you can adjust those ingredients easily to suit your taste.
What type of rice should I use?

Long grain white rice is best here because it cooks evenly and gives the soup a satisfyingly tender texture without becoming mushy too quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe always reminds me of cozy family dinners and chilly evenings snuggled up at home. It’s simple, satisfying, and flavorful in a way that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a reliable go-to comfort food that’s easy to make but never boring. Grab your pot, gather these ingredients, and dive into this heartwarming soup—you won’t regret it!