Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); ¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice (or brown rice*); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp dried parsley; ½ tsp paprika (optional); 1 bay leaf; For the creaminess:; 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF version); ½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing like a warm, comforting bowl of slow cooker creamy chicken and rice soup on a cold day. This rich, hearty, and satisfying crockpot soup is the ultimate comfort food — packed with tender chicken, tender rice, and healthy vegetables, simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth. This easy creamy chicken and rice soup recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and comfort food prep ideas alike.

Made with simple pantry staples and minimal prep, this crockpot chicken and rice soup is a true dump-and-go meal. Just set it and forget it — your slow cooker does all the work! It’s naturally gluten-free (when using certified gluten-free ingredients) and easily adaptable for dairy-free or Whole30 diets.

Perfect for busy families, picky eaters, or anyone craving healthy, homemade meals, this is one of the best slow cooker chicken soup recipes you’ll ever try. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, comforting dinner that everyone will love. So grab your crockpot and get ready to enjoy the best creamy chicken and rice soup that’s as easy as it is delicious!

🥄 Speciality in This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup

Ultra Comforting & Creamy: This creamy chicken and rice soup is the definition of comfort food—warm, thick, and soothing. It’s a cozy bowl of goodness ideal for chilly days.
Set It & Forget It: A true dump-and-go crockpot meal that saves time and effort—perfect for busy families and meal prep lovers.
Loaded with Nutrients: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich rice, and fresh vegetables. It’s a healthy slow cooker dinner you can feel good about. Learn more about the health benefits of chicken soup.
Kid-Friendly & Budget-Friendly: A simple, wholesome recipe that both picky eaters and your wallet will love.
Perfect for Leftovers: This one-pot recipe tastes even better the next day and makes delicious meal prep lunches.

It’s one of those high-protein, low-effort meals you’ll come back to again and again.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup comes together with simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty comfort food soup is both nourishing and satisfying.

🍗 Main Ingredients

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – or use chicken thighs for extra flavor
¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice – or brown rice for added fiber
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf for added depth of flavor
Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp parsley, ½ tsp paprika (optional)

🥛 For the Creamy Base

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour – or use gluten-free flour for a GF version
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
½ cup heavy cream – optional, for extra richness
Salt & pepper to taste

📌 Tip: You can substitute rotisserie chicken for faster prep or add frozen vegetables in the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.

🥣 How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup in the Slow Cooker

Making this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is incredibly simple. With just a few steps, you can enjoy a warm, hearty, and comforting bowl of soup—perfect for chilly nights or a wholesome family dinner. Here’s how:

Prep the Ingredients: Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. Rinse the rice if needed. This step ensures even cooking and the best flavor.
Add to Slow Cooker: In your crockpot, combine chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, uncooked rice, herbs (thyme, parsley), and chicken broth. Add salt, black pepper, and bay leaf for depth of flavor.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the soup for a perfectly textured, protein-rich meal.
Prepare Cream Base: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk and stir until thickened (about 3–5 minutes). For extra richness, stir in cream or cream cheese.
Combine and Finish: Stir the creamy mixture into the slow cooker. Mix thoroughly and allow to heat on LOW for another 10–15 minutes until the soup is creamy and steamy.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, or shredded cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers!

✅ Tip: Always follow FDA food safety guidelines when handling poultry and storing leftovers to keep your meals safe and healthy.

🔥 Pro Tip for Busy Cooks

Use rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked rice to cut down the total cook time by over 50%! Just stir everything together and simmer until creamy.

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💡 Expert Tips & Tasty Variations

Make the most of this slow cooker creamy chicken and rice soup with these pro tips and variations. Whether you’re after a gluten-free comfort meal or a quick meal prep idea, we’ve got you covered!

🍗 Use Rotisserie Chicken

Short on time? Swap raw chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken. Add it during the last hour of cooking for a quick and flavorful twist.

🌾 Brown Rice Option

Use uncooked brown rice for extra fiber. Add 1 extra cup of broth and cook on low for 8–9 hours for tender, hearty results.

🥦 Add More Veggies

Stir in peas, corn, or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking to boost nutrition without compromising flavor.

🥛 Make It Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened coconut milk or oat milk and thicken with a cornstarch slurry instead of cream or butter.

❄️ Meal Prep & Freezer Friendly

This soup is ideal for healthy meal prep. Freeze it without the cream, and add it fresh when reheating. Learn more about safe food storage here.

🌿 Low Carb Variation

Skip the rice and add cauliflower rice at the end of cooking for a low-carb creamy chicken soup that’s keto-friendly and filling!

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🧊 Storage, Reheating & Freezing Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your slow cooker creamy chicken and rice soup fresh, flavorful, and safe to enjoy later. Follow these expert tips to maintain its creamy texture and taste.

📦 How to Store in the Fridge

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring.
Store in an airtight container to prevent spoilage.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Use glass containers for better freshness and reheating.

❄️ Freezing Instructions

Important: Do not add the dairy (milk or cream) before freezing.
Freeze in freezer-safe containers or silicone soup cubes.
Label with date and use within 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

🔥 How to Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat for best results.
Stir frequently to avoid scorching or separating.
Add a splash of broth or milk to adjust consistency.
Microwave-safe? Yes—heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

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Yield: 6

Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is a hearty, filling comfort food that comes together with minimal effort. Loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and rice in a rich, creamy broth, it’s ideal for chilly nights or when you need a nourishing, satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy. Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, this creamy chicken and rice soup is the perfect easy weeknight meal or cozy weekend dish. Made with wholesome ingredients and simple steps, it’s great for meal prep and loved by both kids and adults!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice (or brown rice*)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried parsley
½ tsp paprika (optional)
1 bay leaf
For the creaminess:
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF version)
½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

Instructions

Prep the Slow Cooker:

Add chicken, rice, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, broth, salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, paprika, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.

Cook:

Low: Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours
High: Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours

Until the chicken is tender and rice is cooked.

Shred the Chicken:

Remove chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.

Make the Cream Base:

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and stir until thickened (3–4 minutes). Add cream or cream cheese if using.

Combine & Serve:

Stir the creamy mixture into the slow cooker. Mix well and cook on LOW for an additional 10–15 minutes until heated through. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Garnish (Optional):

Top with fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Notes

Brown Rice: Use ¾ cup brown rice, but add 1 extra cup of broth and cook slightly longer.
Add Veggies: Corn, peas, or spinach can be added in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened coconut milk and cornstarch slurry instead of cream.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Add pre-cooked chicken during the last hour of cooking for faster prep.
Freeze It: Omit dairy and freeze in portions. Add cream when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Pair with a fresh green salad for a light lunch.
Top with shredded cheese or fresh herbs.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 431Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 634mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 44g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze creamy chicken and rice soup made in a slow cooker?

Yes, but for best results, freeze the soup before adding any dairy like cream, milk, or cheese. Cream-based soups may separate when frozen. When reheating, add fresh cream or a splash of milk for a smooth, creamy texture. Use freezer-safe containers and label with the date.

What type of rice is best for crockpot chicken and rice soup?

Long grain white rice works best because it holds its shape well during slow cooking. You can also use brown rice for added fiber, but increase the liquid slightly and extend cooking time by 1–2 hours. Avoid instant rice as it may become mushy.

How do I make this creamy chicken and rice soup gluten-free?

To make this gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup instead of all-purpose flour. Also ensure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free, as some store-bought versions may contain hidden gluten or additives.

Can I use cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of raw?

If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking. This shortcut makes the recipe even quicker and great for using leftover chicken from previous meals.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy in the slow cooker?

To avoid mushy rice, use long grain rice, and avoid stirring too often. You can also cook the rice separately and add it during the last 20 minutes of cooking to maintain texture. This is especially useful for meal prepping or freezing.

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Easy & Comforting Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

🥄 Speciality in This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup