There’s something so soothing about a warm bowl of soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. This Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe hits that spot with its tender chicken, hearty rice, and just the right touch of creamy comfort — perfect for cozy days or anytime you want a simple, satisfying meal.

A large white pot filled with creamy chicken and vegetable soup shows several layers: a smooth, yellowish creamy broth speckled with black pepper and herbs forms the base layer; chunks of tender white chicken pieces and bright orange carrot cubes spread evenly throughout; deep green beans and lighter green celery pieces add color and texture; finely chopped parsley sprinkled on top offers a fresh green contrast. A bronze ladle in the center scoops up a portion of the soup, highlighting the mix of vegetables, chicken, and creamy broth. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe is one of those humble meals that feels impressive and comforting at the same time. I love how it’s incredibly easy to make but tastes like you spent hours on it — the magic really comes from layering simple ingredients and letting them mingle.

Rich, Creamy Texture: Thanks to evaporated milk, this soup gets creamy without being heavy or greasy.
Hearty and Nutritious: Brown rice and green beans add fiber and nutrients for a balanced meal in every bite.
Simple Yet Flavorful: A blend of dried herbs and spices elevate the soup beyond ordinary, making it deliciously comforting.
Flexible Ingredients: Whether you use rotisserie chicken or fresh thighs, this recipe adapts to what you have on hand.

A close-up view of a ladle full of creamy chicken and vegetable soup lifted above the pot with the soup visible beneath; the soup contains light brown shredded chicken pieces, bright orange carrot chunks, green beans, small bits of herbs, and rice in a thick, light golden broth. The ladle is metal with a slightly rustic look, and the soup has a moist, rich texture with fresh parsley sprinkled on top, enhancing the color contrast. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

What makes this soup truly special is how these everyday ingredients come together to create something wholesome and deeply satisfying. Here’s why each component plays a vital role and some quick shopping tips to get the best results.

Flat lay of a raw boneless skinless chicken thigh with natural pinkish tones and slight marbling, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a whole yellow onion with smooth bright skin, three fresh celery stalks crisp and green, two medium peeled carrots with vibrant orange color, several whole garlic cloves with papery skin, a few deep green sprigs of fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown uncooked brown rice grains, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine reddish paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of dried mixed herbs including parsley, basil, thyme, and oregano, a single fresh bay leaf with glossy green surface, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse granulated chicken bouillon powder, a small white ceramic bowl of trimmed chopped green beans, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy off-white evaporated milk, two whole brown eggs with smooth clean shells placed nearby, freshly ground black peppercorns scattered naturally, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps sear the chicken perfectly, developing flavor-packed drippings.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and forgiving to cook — plus, the fat keeps the soup tender and rich.
Unsalted butter: Enriches the base and helps gently soften the veggies without burning.
Yellow onion, celery, carrots: Classic mirepoix combo for a savory foundation and gentle sweetness.
Garlic: For that punch of aromatic warmth that fills the kitchen and your bowl.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a hint of heat to brighten the flavors without overpowering.
Brown rice: Nutty and chewy, it holds up well in soup and adds heartiness—you can swap white rice but mind the cook times!
Chicken bouillon: Intensifies the broth’s flavor, especially if you use low-sodium chicken broth.
Dried herbs and spices: Parsley, basil, thyme, oregano, mustard, paprika & dill give depth and complexity.
Bay leaf: A subtle floral note that makes the broth irresistible.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The soul of the soup—using low sodium lets you control the seasoning perfectly.
Green beans: Adds fresh crunch and vibrant color to balance the creamy texture.
Evaporated milk: Lightly creamy without heavy cream’s richness, creating a silky mouthfeel.
Fresh parsley (garnish): Brightens each spoonful right before serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I really love about this Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe is how easily you can adapt it. I often switch up the veggies or swap brown rice for white depending on how much time I have or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to tailor it to your taste!

Variation: For a lighter option, try using chicken breasts and skip the butter, adding extra veggies like zucchini or corn for a summery twist. I do this when I want something bright but still cozy.
Vegetarian Switch: Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken, adding extra beans and mushrooms to boost heartiness.
Spice it Up: If you love a bit more heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like thyme or basil added just before serving really brighten the flavor and make it feel fresh.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Rich Flavor

To start, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side. This step builds deep flavor foundations for the soup. Don’t skip it! Once seared, remove the chicken to a plate but keep all those tasty browned bits in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables Gently

Next, melt the butter in the chicken drippings on medium-low, then crank it up to medium-high and add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them slowly until the onions are tender and translucent—about 5 to 7 minutes. Scrape the bottom to loosen up those browned bits—they’re pure gold. Toss in the garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This step fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma and builds a flavorful base.

Step 3: Add Rice, Spices, Broth & Chicken

Now return your chicken to the pot and add the brown rice, chicken bouillon, dried herbs, spices, and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a gentle stir. Cover and bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens — the rice will cook and soak up all those flavors while the chicken becomes tender enough to shred.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Green Beans

After about 12 to 15 minutes (a little longer if using chicken breasts), the chicken should be tender. Pull it out onto a cutting board and shred it into bite-size pieces once it’s cool enough to handle. Meanwhile, stir the green beans into the simmering soup and continue cooking, covered, for another 20 to 25 minutes until the rice and beans are tender. Don't forget to stir occasionally to keep everything evenly cooked.

Step 5: Finish with Evaporated Milk & Chicken

Finally, remove the soup from heat and stir in the shredded chicken and evaporated milk for that luscious creaminess. If the soup feels too thick, just add a splash more chicken broth until it’s your perfect consistency. Season with more salt and pepper if needed. And voila—your Creamy Chicken Rice Soup is ready for serving!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really bring this Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe to the next level—because sometimes, it’s those subtle moves that make all the difference between good soup and unforgettable soup.

Don’t Rush the Sear: Getting a nice golden crust on the chicken adds flavor and color; it’s worth those extra minutes.
Rice Cooking Timing: Adding the rice early ensures it has enough time to become tender but not mushy; keep an eye and taste as it nears the end.
Use Evaporated Milk, Not Cream: This keeps the soup creamy but lighter and less heavy, perfect for everyday meals.
Don’t Forget the Final Taste: After adding everything, taste and adjust salt and pepper; it can really bring all flavors forward.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe

creamy chicken rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the creaminess. If I’m feeling fancy, a little squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds a lovely zing that wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal in itself, but I often like to pair it with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad on the side can brighten the meal without distracting from the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this soup in small, elegant bowls garnished with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of herbs. You can even serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic presentation that’s bound to impress your guests and make it a centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day! Just be sure to stir gently when reheating to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing it before adding the evaporated milk for best texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and add the evaporated milk when reheating for that fresh creamy finish.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Adding the evaporated milk at the end keeps it creamy and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice in this Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute white rice, but it cooks faster so add it later in the process—typically after the chicken has been simmering for about 10 minutes. This prevents the rice from overcooking and turning mushy.

Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken instead of searing raw chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker. Just add it shredded towards the end of cooking, after your rice and veggies have cooked. Keep in mind you’ll skip the searing step, but the flavor will still be delicious and satisfying.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily skip the evaporated milk and replace it with additional chicken broth or a dairy-free milk alternative like coconut milk or oat milk. Just add it at the end to keep that creamy texture without dairy.

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy in the soup?

To avoid mushy rice, keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil, and watch the cooking time carefully. Brown rice takes longer, so add it early and stir occasionally. If using white rice, add it later and monitor closely. This helps maintain a nice texture in your soup.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals — it’s approachable, tasty, and endlessly adaptable. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Once you’ve tried it, I think you’ll agree it’s a little bowl of warmth and goodness, perfect for any day you need a bit of cozy TLC from your kitchen.