Description
Warm, hearty, and soul-soothing, this Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup is everything you crave on a chilly day. It’s easy to prepare, loaded with shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a lightly creamy broth. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, comforting food for sick days, or a nourishing meal prep option, this easy recipe ticks all the boxes. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when you need healthy snack or dinner ideas that warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
3/4 cup long-grain white rice
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk or heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
Instructions
1. Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley. Shred the cooked chicken and measure out the rice.
2. In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for another 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the bay leaf.
4. Add rice to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until rice is tender.
5. Stir in the shredded chicken and milk or cream. Simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes.
6. Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
Notes
Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
To freeze, omit the cream and add it when reheating for best texture.
Add a splash of broth when reheating to restore creaminess as rice continues to absorb liquid.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg