Dinner

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

ByMaya Quinn November 1, 2025November 1, 2025

Introduction

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors, it’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and enjoy any time.

A white bowl filled with creamy soup showing thick broth, large pieces of light brown chicken, orange carrot chunks, light green celery bits, and white rice or small pasta pieces, sprinkled with black pepper and fresh green parsley leaves. The top is garnished with thin, pale yellow shavings of cheese and a small sprig of fresh rosemary on the side, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. mustard powder
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. chili flakes
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 large carrots, peeled and diced
3 stalks celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup half and half
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. hot sauce
1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish: Parmesan cheese, black pepper, fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Place the diced chicken pieces in a medium bowl. Add the kosher salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes. Stir well to coat the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the onions, carrots, and celery. Season with kosher salt and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink. Stir in the chopped thyme and rosemary.
Step 5: Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and hot sauce while stirring. Add the uncooked rice and mix to combine.
Step 7: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking, until the rice is cooked and the soup thickens.
Step 8: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more hot sauce, salt, or pepper as desired. Serve hot, garnished with shaved Parmesan, black pepper, and fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For a thinner soup, add more chicken broth or water, especially when reheating leftovers, as the rice absorbs liquid and thickens the soup.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth or water to thin it out if it has thickened too much. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a thick, creamy soup in a white pot with a blue handle, showing multiple layers of small, colorful vegetable and meat pieces. The base layer is a smooth, pale yellow creamy broth, speckled with small green herbs, with orange carrot cubes and light green celery pieces scattered throughout. Small chunks of white meat are embedded evenly, giving texture and depth to the soup. Slightly glossy with a rich consistency, the soup fills most of the pot, and a small bowl with sliced cheese can be seen blurred in the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast. Keep in mind breast meat cooks faster and can dry out, so watch the cooking time closely.

Is it necessary to cook the rice inside the soup?

Cooking the rice directly in the soup allows it to absorb the flavors and naturally thicken the broth. You can cook rice separately if preferred, but the texture and consistency will differ.