This creamy chicken and rice soup is the ultimate feel-good meal, especially when the colder months roll around. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, soft vegetables, and wholesome rice, all slow-cooked to perfection. The best part? It’s made effortlessly in your crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or just craving something warm and nourishing, this soup delivers. You can easily make it dairy-free with a plant-based milk alternative or even add more veggies to pack in extra nutrients. It’s comfort in a bowl with all the convenience you need.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup uncooked white rice
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, peeled and chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup frozen peas
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1 cup milk or cream (dairy or plant-based)
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried parsley
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Add chicken breasts, rice, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, parsley, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
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Stir everything together and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
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About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
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Stir in the frozen peas and milk or cream. Cook for another 30 minutes on low until heated through and creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Comfort Food Classic Made Simple
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a bowl of chicken soup—it brings warmth, comfort, and a sense of home no matter the season. This Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup elevates the traditional version with a luscious, velvety texture and hearty ingredients that turn it into a full, satisfying meal. Originating from the timeless chicken soup that graced our grandparents’ kitchens, this modern twist makes use of the slow cooker, streamlining the process without sacrificing flavor.
Slow cooker meals have steadily risen in popularity thanks to their convenience and set-it-and-forget-it appeal. This dish, in particular, combines the simplicity of home cooking with the richness of restaurant-style creamy soups. It’s not just a quick dinner—it’s an experience of warmth and nourishment in every bite.
Why This Soup is the Ultimate Weeknight Hero
What truly sets this creamy chicken and rice soup apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes fall-apart tender while the rice absorbs all the delicious broth, giving the soup body and substance. The addition of milk or cream near the end of cooking enhances the silkiness, creating a soup that is both light and indulgent.
From a practical perspective, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or days when you’re under the weather. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and minimal prep, it lets your crockpot do the heavy lifting. It’s the kind of meal you can prepare in the morning and come home to with the house smelling like a cozy café.
Nutritious and Wholesome Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this recipe and why it’s beneficial:
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Chicken breast is a lean protein source, rich in essential amino acids and low in saturated fat.
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White rice provides carbohydrates for energy and adds a satisfying texture.
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Carrots, celery, onion, and peas are all packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that support immune health and digestion.
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Garlic and herbs like thyme and parsley not only add aromatic flavor but also have anti-inflammatory properties.
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Milk or cream contributes to a creamy texture and can be swapped for plant-based alternatives, making the recipe easily adjustable for dietary needs.
These ingredients come together to create a nourishing, filling, and naturally gluten-free meal (just ensure your broth is certified gluten-free). It’s perfect for those looking for comfort without compromise.
Easy to Customize and Adapt
Another reason this soup earns high marks is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or meal-prepping for the week, it adapts beautifully:
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Swap white rice for brown rice or wild rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
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Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk, almond milk, or oat cream.
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Add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
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Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like heat.
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Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut if you’re short on time.
By tweaking just a few elements, you can make the recipe your own while still keeping the essence of the original dish intact.
Meal Prep-Friendly and Budget-Conscious
In today’s fast-paced world, meal prepping has become essential for many households. This crockpot soup is an ideal make-ahead meal. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully in portioned containers. Simply reheat, and you’ve got a homemade meal that’s just as delicious as the day you made it.
Additionally, it’s budget-friendly, relying on pantry staples and affordable ingredients. Compared to store-bought or restaurant soups, this homemade version saves money and allows you to control sodium and fat content.
Kid-Approved and Family-Friendly
One of the most rewarding things about this recipe is how well it’s received by kids and picky eaters. The creamy texture, tender chicken, and mild flavor make it approachable even for those who typically shy away from vegetables. It’s a stealthy way to incorporate more whole foods into your family’s diet, and you can always puree part of the soup if you want an even smoother consistency for younger children.
Families also love that this is a one-pot meal, reducing cleanup time and making it even easier to keep dinner stress-free.
Perfect for Every Season
While soups are often associated with fall and winter, this dish is a year-round favorite. In the colder months, it serves as a hearty, warming meal to soothe colds and provide comfort on chilly nights. During spring and summer, it still holds its appeal thanks to its fresh vegetables and the lightness of the broth-based cream.
It’s a recipe that easily transitions across seasons and occasions—from weeknight dinners to casual gatherings or even meal trains for friends in need.
Conclusion
In a world full of complicated recipes and fast food shortcuts, Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup brings us back to the basics in the best possible way. It’s nourishing, comforting, and delightfully simple—reminding us that great meals don’t need to be fussy to be flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals ahead, or simply craving something soul-soothing, this recipe delivers every time. It’s a celebration of everything we love about homemade cooking: simplicity, warmth, and the joy of sharing something made with love.