Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

Name: Creamy Chicken Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup cooked rice; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Homemade Comfort Meals

I absolutely love making this Creamy Chicken Rice Soup when I want something comforting and satisfying. The blend of tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy rice creates a delightful harmony that warms my soul. It's perfect for busy weeknights or even a cozy family gathering. I appreciate how quickly it comes together, allowing me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a hearty meal with my loved ones.

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2026-02-06T17:53:35.967Z

When I first made this Creamy Chicken Rice Soup, I was blown away by how simple it was to create such a rich flavor. I began by sautéing onions and garlic, which set the base for a wonderful aroma that filled my kitchen. Using rotisserie chicken is my little cheat to save time while ensuring the soup has that homemade essence.

The key to making the soup creamy without using too much cream is to blend part of the cooked rice into the broth, which thickens it beautifully and adds a velvety texture. It's my go-to trick whenever I want to elevate a dish with minimal effort!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy and rich texture that comforts you with every spoonful
Quick to prepare with simple ingredients, perfect for a weeknight meal
Versatile—can be made with leftover chicken or veggies for a lighter option

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of this Creamy Chicken Rice Soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The chicken broth serves to provide the necessary depth of flavor, so opting for a high-quality or homemade broth will enhance the taste significantly. If you're watching your sodium intake, consider using a low-sodium broth to help control the saltiness. Additionally, using fresh herbs like thyme brings a brightness to the dish that dried herbs often cannot replicate.

Creamy soups require a good balance of creaminess and body, which is where the heavy cream plays a crucial role. It can be tempting to substitute with milk, but this could lead to a thinner texture that doesn't provide the same level of richness. If you prefer a lighter alternative, substituting half of the heavy cream with coconut milk gives a unique twist while still maintaining a creamy consistency.

Essential Cooking Techniques

To achieve the perfect sautéed base, heat your olive oil until it shimmers slightly before adding the onion. This temperature ensures the onions cook evenly without burning. Sautéing until they’re translucent takes about 5 minutes, which allows for the natural sweetness of the onions to develop, creating a robust flavor profile for your soup. Just remember to stir frequently to prevent sticking.

When heating the chicken and rice together after adding them to the broth, it's important to maintain a gentle simmer. This helps to warm both without overcooking them, which can cause the chicken to become dry or the rice to break down into mush. Stir occasionally to check for even heating, allowing about 5 minutes for perfection.

Ingredients

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked rice
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Make sure to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.

Incorporate Chicken and Rice

Add the cooked rice and shredded chicken to the pot. Stir to combine and let it heat through for about 5 minutes.

Make it Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some chopped carrots or celery along with the onions. You can also substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your soup comes out too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired thickness. Start with half a cup at a time and mix well, checking frequently. Adjusting at the end of cooking helps keep the flavor intact.

On the flip side, if the soup is too thin, consider simmering it uncovered for a few additional minutes. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and thickening the soup without needing to resort to thickeners.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for meal prepping! After cooking, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for easier reheating the next day.

When reheating, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. Heat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. If you notice any separation in the cream, briskly whisk or blend it back together for a smooth finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add the cream during reheating to maintain the texture.

→ What type of rice works best?

Any type of cooked rice will work, but I recommend using long-grain rice for the best texture.

→ Is it possible to freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Just omit the cream until reheating to prevent separation.