Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup

The Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup is the very definition of comfort food. It’s everything you want on a chilly evening rich, satisfying, and deeply flavorful. With tender bits of chicken, perfectly cooked Jasmine rice, and a smooth creamy base infused with herbs and aromatic vegetables, it’s a wholesome dish that will warm your heart and belly.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this one-pot wonder comes together in just 30 minutes and uses everyday ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover chicken or turkey, and thanks to evaporated milk, it stays rich and velvety even when frozen and reheated. Whether for a quick solo meal or a family favorite dinner, this soup brings everyone to the table.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced

• 1 large carrot, diced

• 1 celery rib, diced

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced

• 2 cans (14.5 ounce each) chicken broth

• 1/3 cup uncooked Jasmine rice

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk

• 1 1/2 cups cooked pulled or diced chicken (rotisserie works great!)

Directions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are soft and tender, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the uncooked Jasmine rice, dried basil, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and evaporated milk until smooth. Gradually stir into the soup.

6. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until thickened.

7. Stir in the cooked chicken and simmer for an additional 2 minutes, or until heated through.

8. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh side salad if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 258 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Comfort: One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

When the weather cools down or life gets a little overwhelming, there’s something incredibly reassuring about sitting down with a hot bowl of creamy soup. Among the countless variations of comfort food, one dish stands out as both universally loved and deeply nourishing: One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup. It’s a recipe that’s stood the test of time in home kitchens for good reason it’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly simple to make.

This creamy soup is far more than just a meal. It’s a symbol of comfort, tradition, and the beautiful simplicity of home cooking. Whether you’re feeding a family, looking for easy leftovers, or hoping to warm up after a long day, this dish is a go-to that checks all the boxes.

A Homestyle Classic with a Modern Twist

Chicken and rice as a combination have deep roots across many cultures. From the arroz con pollo of Latin America to the chicken congee of Asia, and the American-style chicken casserole, the pairing of tender poultry and fluffy rice has long been a culinary comfort zone. The creamy version of this combo adds a whole new level of richness and coziness to the equation.

What makes the one-pot method so appealing in today’s fast-paced world is its simplicity. Fewer dishes, less prep, and more time to enjoy the meal with loved ones. It’s a dish that doesn’t require special skills or hard-to-find ingredients just real food and a pot to bring it all together.

Why One-Pot Meals Are a Lifesaver

The rise in popularity of one-pot meals isn’t just a food trend it’s a reflection of how busy life has become for many home cooks. From working parents to students and anyone managing a tight schedule, having a reliable, wholesome meal that comes together in a single pot is a true blessing.

One-pot recipes, especially soups, allow flavors to meld beautifully, making the end result taste like it simmered all day, even if it was made in under an hour. They also simplify cleanup a huge bonus for anyone who dreads a pile of dishes after dinner.

This creamy chicken and rice soup is a shining example of how efficient cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. It manages to be deeply savory, richly textured, and satisfying, all with minimal effort and maximum reward.

Health Benefits Without Compromise

Despite its creamy texture and indulgent flavor, this soup is surprisingly wholesome. It includes lean protein from the chicken, fiber and antioxidants from the vegetables, and complex carbohydrates from rice, creating a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal.

The creaminess comes from evaporated milk, which lends a velvety mouthfeel without relying on heavy cream or excess fat. It’s an ingredient that holds up beautifully in the freezer and reheats smoothly, making the soup just as perfect for batch cooking and meal prepping as it is for immediate comfort.

Those who are more health-conscious can easily tailor the recipe to suit dietary preferences. Swap white rice for brown or wild rice for added fiber, increase the amount of vegetables, or even use low-sodium chicken broth for better heart health. It’s highly adaptable without losing its signature creamy charm.

Perfect for Leftovers and Meal Prep

One of the standout features of this soup is how well it keeps. Thanks to the use of evaporated milk rather than regular dairy, it freezes and reheats better than most creamy dishes. This makes it a practical option for those who want to cook once and eat multiple times.

If you’re planning to freeze a batch, a pro tip is to omit the rice during the cooking process and add it fresh when reheating. Rice tends to absorb a lot of liquid and can become mushy over time, so adding it later ensures a better texture and consistency.

For busy families, it’s a godsend make a large pot on Sunday and have quick, satisfying meals ready throughout the week. Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread and you’ve got a complete meal with very little effort.

Variations to Suit Every Taste

This soup is endlessly customizable. The base recipe is already a delicious, complete dish, but its simplicity leaves plenty of room for creativity and personalization:

• Protein Swaps: Replace chicken with turkey, especially after the holidays. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken for added convenience and flavor.

• Grain Alternatives: Swap out the rice for quinoa, barley, or orzo for a different texture or nutritional profile.

• Vegetable Add-ins: Try adding spinach, kale, peas, or mushrooms for a boost of color and nutrients.

• Spice It Up: For a bit of a kick, a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes can add warmth and depth to the creamy broth.

It’s the kind of dish you can tweak based on what’s in your pantry or fridge without fear of going wrong.

Pairing Ideas: What Goes Well With Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

While this soup is absolutely satisfying on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a range of sides and accompaniments. Here are some great ideas:

• Fresh-Baked Bread: A slice of sourdough or a warm, buttery roll is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.

• Simple Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

• Crackers or Croutons: For extra crunch, top your bowl with seasoned croutons or crushed crackers.

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Go classic comfort and serve with a half sandwich for a nostalgic, filling meal.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

The short answer? Everyone. But especially:

• Parents looking for family-friendly meals that appeal to picky eaters.

• Busy professionals who want healthy, homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

• College students who need easy recipes with minimal cleanup.

• Anyone seeking comfort during colder seasons or after a long day.

This dish appeals to all ages and all seasons, and it’s great for gatherings, potlucks, or just a quiet night in with a good book or movie.

Conclusion: 

In a world where we are constantly pulled in a million directions, food often becomes just another task to check off the list. But recipes like this One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup remind us of the joy and comfort a simple meal can bring.

It’s not flashy or exotic, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It brings us back to the basics of home cooking warmth, nourishment, and the happiness of feeding ourselves and others well. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor, and maybe even share.

So whether you’re battling the chill of winter, looking for something to meal prep for the week, or just want to recreate the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out this soup has got your back.