Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup — Cozy, Rich & Comforting

Introduction

Warm, creamy, and incredibly comforting, this Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup is the perfect bowl of comfort for a chilly evening. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, vegetables, and a silky broth come together in one delicious pot. It’s easy to make, hearty enough for a full meal, and packed with homemade flavor!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup milk, if needed
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Build the soup
Sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

3. Add the rice
Stir in the uncooked rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

4. Make it creamy
In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the heavy cream until smooth. Slowly pour the mixture into the soup while stirring constantly. Add the butter and continue cooking for 3–5 minutes, until the soup becomes creamy and slightly thickened.

5. Add the chicken
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and simmer for another 3–4 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend together. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of milk or extra chicken broth.

6. Finish and serve
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

 Helpful Tips

• Rotisserie chicken works beautifully and makes this soup even faster to prepare.
• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Leftovers may thicken in the refrigerator, so add a little broth or milk when reheating.

 Serving Suggestion

Serve this creamy chicken and rice soup with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad for a comforting and satisfying meal.