Chicken rice soup is my go-to when I need a little comfort, especially on those days when life turns into a wild kitchen circus. The first time I tossed everything into my slow cooker, I had no idea I was about to create the coziest hug-in-a-bowl. You know those moments when you’re juggling a million things, and suddenly, you remember you forgot to start dinner? That’s when this recipe swoops in and saves the day.
Also, there’s just something magical about the way the chicken simmers with veggies and rice, filling the kitchen with an aroma that says, “Everything’s going to be okay.” No fancy steps, no chef’s hat required, just real food for real life. So, if you’re craving a soup that’s creamy, hearty, and doesn’t require babysitting, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about the joy (and occasional chaos) of making chicken rice soup, slow-cooker style.
My Kitchen Story
First, let me admit: my slow cooker has become my best friend, especially when my days get a little too wild. I remember the first time I tried making chicken rice soup in it — I was chasing after my toddler, tripping over a rogue carrot, and nearly forgot to add the rice! However, that’s the beauty of this recipe. You can toss in the chicken, carrots, and even sneak in some extra veggies if you’re feeling bold. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you get on with life’s chaos.
Also, I love how the flavors meld together over hours, creating a creamy, savory soup that tastes like you’ve been hovering over the stove all day (when really, you’ve just been peeking in occasionally). If you’re a fan of slow cooker chicken recipes, you’ll appreciate the way this soup turns simple ingredients into something special. My kitchen always smells incredible, and even the picky eaters come running.
What Makes It Stand Out
So, what’s the secret? It’s all about those little touches — a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, a dash of hot sauce, and just enough half and half to make it rich without being heavy. This soup is a game-changer for anyone who loves creamy chicken and veggies meals but doesn’t want a complicated process. Plus, the rice cooks right in the broth, soaking up all those flavors. If you’re on the hunt for soups with cream of chicken or are looking for new chicken soup recipes creamy, this one checks all the boxes. Finally, it’s a little messy, a little imperfect, but always delicious — just like life in my kitchen.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 1 1/2 lb. |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp. |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp. |
| Mustard powder | 1/4 tsp. |
| Paprika | 1/4 tsp. |
| Chili flakes | 1/4 tsp. |
| Unsalted butter | 3 Tbsp. |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Carrots, peeled and diced | 3 large |
| Celery, diced | 3 stalks |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Fresh thyme, chopped | 1 Tbsp. |
| Fresh rosemary, chopped | 1 Tbsp. |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups |
| Half and half | 1 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1 Tbsp. |
| Hot sauce | 1 Tbsp. |
| Long grain white rice, uncooked | 1 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Garnish: Parmesan cheese, black pepper, fresh parsley |
Handy Kitchen Helpers
First, you’ll want a sturdy Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed soup pot for this chicken rice soup. The even heat makes a big difference for creamy chicken and veggies , helping everything cook gently without burning the bottom. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a large stockpot works too—just stir often, especially as the rice starts soaking up all that broth.
Next, a sharp chef’s knife and a big cutting board save time when prepping carrots, celery, and onions. I love using a wooden spoon to stir because it won’t scratch the pot. If you’re a fan of set-it-and-forget-it meals, you might also enjoy this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe For A Healthy Weeknight Dinner, which brings the same comfort as chicken soup recipes creamy but with even less fuss.
Don’t forget, food safety matters when making soup for sick people ! Always cook chicken fully and keep things clean. For extra peace of mind, check out the advice from Foodsafety.gov on handling poultry and reheating leftovers. Finally, if you’re looking for more cozy ideas, my Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken And Potatoes Easy Slow Cooker Recipe is a reader favorite.
Step-by-step method for a One-Pot recipe
Step 1
First, place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl. Add kosher salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes. Toss well so the chicken gets a nice, even coating. Set aside while you prep the veggies.
Step 2
Next, heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Season with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 5–7 minutes, just until softened. Then, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
Step 3
After that, add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the chicken loses its pinkness. Stir in chopped thyme and rosemary. Sprinkle in the flour and mix everything well so it’s all coated. Now, slowly pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Add the uncooked rice and stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring often so the rice doesn’t stick. The chicken rice soup will thicken as the rice cooks. If it gets too thick, add extra broth or water. Taste and adjust seasoning as you like. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan, black pepper, and parsley. It’s wonderful on chilly nights!
Tips and tricks to make this One-Pot recipe shine
For an extra creamy chicken rice soup, try using a bit more half and half or a splash of milk. Also, fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary truly make a difference. If you’re craving more comfort food, check out our Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Dump And Go Crockpot Dinner for another cozy meal. Want more simple soup ideas? Our Easy Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Recipe With 6 Simple Ingredients is a great one to bookmark. Finally, if you’re looking for soups with cream of chicken, this recipe can be tweaked by swapping some broth for condensed soup. Chicken soup recipes creamy always comfort, especially when you’re under the weather and need soup for sick people.
What to serve with this One-Pot recipe
First, chicken rice soup is so comforting that simple sides work best. Try a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for freshness. Next, warm, crusty bread is a classic for dipping into creamy soups. If you want something heartier, a side of steamed broccoli or a quick batch of garlic toast fits perfectly. Also, for more delicious ideas, check out this Pan Fried Chicken Piccata Meatballs With Lemon And Capers Recipe for a protein boost. Or, pair your soup with this One Pot Merry Me Chicken Pasta Creamy Dinner Recipe Easy And Delicious for a cozy, two-pot meal night.
How to store and reheat
Because this is a One-Pot recipe, cleanup and storage are a breeze. After cooling, simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to reheat, place the soup back in your pot, warm over medium-low heat, and stir gently. This keeps the rice from sticking and the creamy texture smooth. If you prefer, microwave individual servings, but stir halfway through for even heating. Finally, if you’re freezing, let the soup cool completely first. The One-Pot method means fewer dishes and flavors that meld beautifully after a day in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may need extra broth. Keep an eye on the texture so it doesn’t get mushy.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
Swap the cream for canned coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative. The soup will stay creamy and delicious.
What veggies work best in chicken rice soup?
Carrots, celery, and peas are classic, but spinach or corn add color and flavor. Feel free to use what you have on hand for a creamy chicken and veggies twist.
Can I make this soup ahead?
Absolutely. The flavors deepen after a day. Store it in the fridge and reheat as needed for easy meals with cream of chicken soup all week.
Is this soup good for sick days?
Definitely. It’s soothing, gentle, and packed with comfort, making it a classic soup for sick people .
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Chicken rice soup – Full recipes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Heart Healthy
Description
This creamy chicken rice soup combines tender chicken thighs, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables simmered with rice in a flavorful broth. It is a comforting and hearty soup ideal for any occasion.
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
1. Place the diced chicken in a medium mixing bowl. Add the kosher salt, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, paprika, and chili flakes, and toss to evenly coat the chicken. Set aside.
2. Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Season with kosher salt to taste. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink. Stir in the chopped thyme and rosemary.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
5. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Add the uncooked rice and stir to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more hot sauce, salt, or pepper as desired. Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with shaved Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and fresh parsley.
Notes
Because the rice cooks directly in the soup, it absorbs much of the broth and thickens the soup.
Add additional broth or water as needed to thin it out, especially when reheating leftovers.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
Substitute fresh herbs with dried if unavailable but reduce quantity by half.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
It’s always a joy chatting about cozy recipes with you. If chicken rice soup is on your menu, I hope these tips make your kitchen time even warmer. Next, if you’re hunting for more inspiration, don’t miss our Pan Fried Chicken Piccata Meatballs or the creamy comfort of One Pot Merry Me Chicken Pasta. Also, for endless cozy meal ideas, follow us on Pinterest and peek at our Cooking Method board. Finally, thanks for spending a little time in my kitchen corner. Here’s to many more bowls of happiness!