If there’s one thing I know, it’s this: when life gets busy, overwhelming, or downright chaotic, a bowl of Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup can feel like a warm hug you didn’t even realize you needed. This recipe checks all the boxes for my fellow multitasking queens—comforting, hearty, quick to pull together, and gentle enough to win over even the pickiest eaters.
And let’s be honest… anytime I hear the words “creamy chicken and rice,” my heart does a tiny little happy dance. Yours too? Good. You’re in the right place.
I created this recipe on one of those days when the to-do list felt longer than a grocery store receipt. I wanted something simple but soul-soothing, flavorful but not fussy. And let me tell you—this Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup came through like magic. Truly. Chicken Magic.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup
This soup isn’t just dinner—it’s comfort in a bowl.
Warm, creamy, herb-packed, and wonderfully filling, it turns a handful of simple ingredients into something that tastes like it simmered for hours (even when you threw it together between meetings, school pickups, or rescuing a load of laundry you forgot in the washer… again).
Here’s what makes it special:
- It’s fast—especially with pre-cooked or shredded chicken.
- It uses ingredients you probably already have in your fridge or pantry.
- It’s customizable—swap dairy, add veggies, use leftover rice.
- It reheats beautifully (hello, next-day lunch!).
This is the kind of recipe that wins family approval, warms your kitchen, and makes you feel like the capable home-chef goddess you are.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into this comforting bowl of Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup:
- Extra virgin olive oil (or avocado/grapeseed oil)
- Shredded chicken (my easy shredded chicken recipe works perfectly)
- Red onion (white or yellow works too)
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Celery + carrots, diced
- Sea salt, black pepper
- Herbs & seasonings: Fresh thyme sprigs , Bay leaf , Dried oregano , Dried basil , Dried parsley , Garlic powder.
- Chicken or vegetable stock (bonus points for bone broth!)
- Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- White cooking wine (optional)
- Cooked basmati rice or 1 cup dry long grain rice
- Parmesan + mozzarella cheese
How to Make Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup
The process is simple, relaxing, and oh-so-rewarding once that warm steam hits your face.
1. Sauté the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—about 1–2 minutes.
Your kitchen will smell heavenly already, trust me.
Now toss in your diced celery and carrots. Let them soften slightly for 1–2 minutes.
Sprinkle in sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (optional), and any all-purpose blend you love.
2. Build the Creamy Broth
Pour in your stock, heavy cream, and white cooking wine if you’re using it.
Add the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
Stir in your shredded chicken and cooked white rice until everything feels cozy and combined.
Let the pot simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until the veggies are soft and the flavors meld together like old friends catching up.
If using dry rice:
Add it before the heavy cream and simmer 10–15 minutes so it can fully cook.
Then stir in the cream and continue.
3. Add the Cheese (AKA the Magic Moment)
Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella.
They melt into the broth like creamy little angels, thickening it into the perfect comfort texture.
Give it 2–3 more minutes to simmer.
4. Serve & Enjoy
Remove from heat.
Fish out the bay leaf and thyme stems.
Ladle into your favorite bowls.
Pair with garlic bread, warm rolls, or a simple green salad—whatever your heart desires.
Bon Appétit, my friend.
Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup
- **Don’t panic if the soup looks thin at first—**the rice thickens everything beautifully as it sits.
- For extra nutrition, sub half the stock with bone broth.
- Like a thicker soup? Add a little more cheese or simmer longer.
- Too thick? Add a splash of stock. (We’ve all been there—no judgment.)
- Cooking wine worries? Swap it for additional stock—still delicious, still cozy.
- Dairy-free option: Full-fat coconut milk gives a gorgeous texture without tasting coconutty once the herbs and chicken do their thing.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This soup became an instant family favorite after a rainy Sunday years ago.
My kids were chilly, my husband was craving “something creamy,” and all I had was leftover shredded chicken and a few veggies staring sadly at me from the crisper.
One hour later, bowls were empty, smiles were big, and I realized this recipe needed to be shared with the Chicken Magic community. It’s been my comfort go-to ever since—and I’m thrilled it’s about to become yours too.

FAQs About Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It tastes fantastic and cuts time in half.
Can I freeze Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup?
Cream-based soups freeze okay but the texture changes a bit. If you plan to freeze it, leave out the cream and cheese until reheating.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The rice absorbs liquid over time, so you may want to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes—but add extra cooking time or precook the rice so the soup doesn’t over-thicken.
Is there a lighter option without cream?
You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though it won’t be as rich. Coconut milk also works beautifully.
Bringing It All Together
A warm bowl of Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup is more than a meal—it’s comfort, ease, and a little sprinkle of Chicken Magic all in one pot. Whether you’re feeding your family, prepping lunches for the week, or just craving something cozy after a long day, this recipe has your back.
So go ahead—grab your pot, grab your chicken, and let this creamy goodness turn your kitchen into the coziest spot in the house.
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share how it turned out for you—I absolutely love hearing your kitchen stories and seeing your ratings bring our Chicken Magic community to life!
More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love
If this Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup warmed your heart (and your kitchen!), I’ve gathered a few more comforting recipes you might want to curl up with next. These are reader favorites for a reason, and each one brings its own kind of delicious magic to the table:
- Craving another ultra-creamy bowl? Try my Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup — it’s rich, cozy, and perfect for chilly nights.
- If cheesy comfort is your love language, you’ll adore this Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup — it’s basically a warm hug in soup form.
- Looking for something a little lighter but still hearty? My Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup is bright, satisfying, and great for busy weeknights.
- And for my comfort-food super fans, don’t miss the incredibly addictive Crack Chicken and Rice Soup — it’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to love.
Feel free to explore these next — your dinner rotation just got a whole lot cozier!
Print
Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This cozy Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup is a rich, comforting bowl filled with tender shredded chicken, carrots, celery, aromatic herbs, and creamy broth. It’s the perfect weeknight meal—warm, hearty, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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2 cups shredded chicken
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1 medium red onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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2 carrots, chopped
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1 tsp sea salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried basil
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½ tsp dried parsley
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½ tsp garlic powder
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2–3 fresh thyme sprigs
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1 bay leaf
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4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
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1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
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¼ cup white cooking wine (optional)
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2 cups cooked basmati rice (or 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice + 1 extra cup stock)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Add onion and garlic; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in carrots and celery; cook for another 1–2 minutes.
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Add salt, pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, and garlic powder; stir well.
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Pour in stock, heavy cream, and cooking wine (if using).
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Add thyme sprigs, bay leaf, shredded chicken, and cooked rice. Stir to combine.
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Simmer 8–10 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
If using uncooked rice: simmer 10–15 minutes before adding cream. -
Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
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Remove bay leaf and thyme stems.
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Serve warm with bread or salad. Enjoy!
Notes
Soup thickens as it sits—add extra stock to thin if needed.
Coconut milk works great for a dairy-free version.
Rotisserie chicken is a fast, delicious shortcut.
For richer flavor, replace half the stock with bone broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg