If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to make and budget-friendly, this Cream of Chicken and Rice Soup is for you. With creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft rice, it’s just the thing to hit the spot.

What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is—just one pot, easy steps, and it’s ready in under an hour. So, let’s get into the recipe details and why this might just be your next go-to meal.

Here’s Why This Chicken and Rice Soup Will Be Your New Favorite

1. It’s Super Easy to Make

This soup doesn’t need any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. If you’re new to cooking or just short on time, this recipe is as straightforward as it gets.

2. It’s Budget-Friendly

With basic ingredients like rice, chicken, and canned cream of chicken, this soup won’t break the bank.

3. It’s A One Pot Recipe

Less cleanup means more time to relax, especially since this entire recipe can be made in one pot.

Budget-Friendly Breakdown: How Much Does This Soup Cost Per Serving?

Here’s a quick rundown of the cost per serving to give you an idea of how budget-friendly this meal really is:

Ingredients:
- Carrot: $0.30
- Celery: $0.25
- Onion: $0.20
- Chicken breasts: $3.00
- Cream of chicken soup with herbs: $1.50
- Rice: $0.50
- Broth and seasonings: $1.25
Total Cost: Approx. $7.00
Cost Per Serving (serves 4): $1.75 per serving

With this Cream of Chicken and Rice Soup recipe, you’re using affordable, versatile ingredients like carrots, celery, and chicken breast. Each serving costs under $2 per serving, so you can enjoy a hearty, homemade meal without overspending.

how to make cream of chicken and rice soup

Essential Ingredients for Chicken and Rice Soup

Here’s what you’ll need for this cream of chicken and rice soup:

Carrot – Adds a subtle sweetness and natural warmth to balance the savory broth.
Celery – Brings a mild, earthy flavor that enhances the soup’s comforting taste.
Onion – Adds a savory depth and slight sweetness as it cooks, enriching the overall flavor.
Chicken breasts – Offers a mild, tender flavor that absorbs the seasonings beautifully, adding heartiness without overpowering.
Onion powder & Garlic powder – Infuses the soup with a mellow, savory undertone, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming.
Italian seasoning – Brings a touch of herby, aromatic flavor that lifts the soup’s taste with hints of basil, oregano, and thyme.
Paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness and gentle warmth, rounding out the flavor profile.
Salt and pepper – Essential for enhancing all the flavors and balancing the soup’s richness.
Chicken broth – Provides a savory, umami-rich base that ties all the ingredients together.
Garlic – Adds a bold, aromatic layer that deepens the savory notes.
Cream of chicken soup with herbs – Creates a rich, creamy texture and savory taste, adding a comforting, well-rounded flavor to the dish.
Rice – Brings a mild, slightly nutty flavor that absorbs the seasonings, adding body to the soup while keeping it light.

The Ultimate Guide to Making Cream of Chicken and Rice Soup

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to making this soup:

Season the Chicken
- Begin by seasoning the diced chicken breast with onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- This gives the chicken a flavorful coating that will enhance the soup as it cooks.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Sear the seasoned chicken until it’s no longer pink on the outside, stirring occasionally. This step locks in flavor, but don’t worry about fully cooking the chicken yet—it’ll finish in the broth.
Cook Down the Vegetables
- After searing the chicken, then remove it from the pan.
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onions to the pot. Sauté the veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and develop a flavorful base.
Add the Stock and Boil the Chicken
- Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the chicken broth.
- Return the chicken to the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Let the chicken cook through in the broth for about 10 minutes, which will deepen the flavors.
Remove the Chicken and Add the Rice
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside for a moment.
- Add the rice to the broth and let the soup simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender—this usually takes around 15-20 minutes.
Add the Cream of Chicken Soup
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cream of chicken soup with herbs. This will give the soup a creamy, velvety texture and a rich, savory flavor.
- If you find the soup too thick, add more broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Ladle it into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs or extra black pepper if desired, and enjoy your cozy, comforting bowl of cream of chicken and rice soup!

Top Tips for a Creamier, Tastier Chicken and Rice Soup

Adjust the Broth: If you like a thicker, more stew-like soup, stick with 5 cups of broth. For a lighter soup, add up to 6 cups.
Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions really elevate the flavor. If you’re short on time, frozen veggies can be a good substitute.
Customize the Protein: Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts, or try turkey for a change.
Consistency Control: If the soup thickens up too much while it cools, just add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.

The Best Ways to Store and Reheat Chicken and Rice Soup

To store your Cream of Chicken and Rice Soup, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, it will last for up to 3 months—just be sure to let it cool fully before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

When you’re ready to reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s thickened too much, and stir occasionally until it’s heated through.

For microwave reheating, heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until hot.

Variations of Cream of Chicken and Rice Soup

If you feel like switching things up, here are some easy variations:

Add Extra Veggies: Throw in peas, corn, spinach, or kale toward the end of cooking for added color, nutrients, and flavor. They’ll cook quickly and give the soup more texture.

Switch Up the Protein: Not in the mood for chicken? Turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken works great here.

Boost the Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme right before serving for an aromatic touch. A sprinkle of chives or green onions also adds freshness and a pop of color.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce if you like a little heat. A dash of smoked paprika can also add warmth and depth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use different types of rice in this soup?

Yes! White rice works best for a quick-cooking option, but you can also use brown rice, wild rice, or even basmati. Just remember that each type of rice has a different cooking time. Brown and wild rice will take longer to cook, so plan to simmer the soup a bit longer or cook the rice separately and add it toward the end.

2. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Turkey, diced ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian option work well in this soup. If you’re using cooked protein like rotisserie chicken or ham, add it toward the end so it doesn’t overcook.

3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative or use coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture without any dairy. This will keep the soup just as comforting and delicious.

4. What’s the best way to control the consistency?

For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth, or let the soup simmer a little longer until it reaches your preferred thickness. If it’s too thick, simply add more broth or even a bit of milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Make This Cozy, Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Tonight

There you have it! This Cream of Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate cozy, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for just about any night of the week.

Whether you’re making it for your family or just for yourself, it’s easy, affordable, and downright delicious. Give it a try and let me know how you liked it—leave a comment below, or feel free to share your favorite soup tips!