Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket on a chilly day. Imagine the scent of savory chicken mingling with fresh herbs wafting through your kitchen, making your stomach rumble in anticipation. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you need comfort food that doesn’t require hours of slave labor in the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa recipe.
I remember the first time I made this soup; it was during one of those “I don’t want to leave my couch” winters. My friends came over, and as soon as they walked in, they were hit with the delightful aroma. Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole The laughter and chatter over bowls of creamy soup turned an ordinary evening into an unforgettable gathering, proving that food indeed has the power to connect us all.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup takes minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor
- It’s rich, creamy, and endlessly customizable based on your pantry staples
- Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead!
- Your home will smell amazing while it simmers away without fuss
I once served this soup at a dinner party, and my friend declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Who knew a simple slow cooker recipe could impress so much?

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- Long Grain Rice: Use uncooked rice that absorbs flavors well; jasmine or basmati work wonderfully.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; chop them into small pieces for even cooking.
- Celery: A couple of stalks bring crunch and depth; ensure they are diced finely.
- Onion: A medium onion adds aromatic flavor; sauté it until translucent before adding other ingredients.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor profile significantly; more is always better!
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; homemade broth adds extra love!
- Dried Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs infuse warmth throughout the soup; don’t skimp on them.
- Cream or Milk: For added creaminess, feel free to stir in some heavy cream or whole milk at the end.
- Pepper and Salt: Season to taste; remember that you can always add more but can’t take it out!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping all your vegetables—carrots, celery, onion—and mincing garlic. This step is essential for an even cook throughout your soup.
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place your chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker first. Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, rice, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper on top.
Pour in Chicken Broth: Carefully pour enough chicken broth over everything until just covered. The broth will create that deliciously rich base we’re aiming for.
Set Your Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add Creaminess: Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in cream or milk if desired to achieve that velvety texture we all dream about.
Final Touches: Taste your masterpiece before serving! Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on a chilly evening!
And there you have it: a bowl of comforting Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup that warms you up from head to toe! Enjoy sharing this dish with loved ones—or keep it all to yourself (no judgment here).
You Must Know
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup is a heartwarming dish that fills your home with cozy aromas
- It’s perfect for busy days when you want something nourishing without all the fuss
- Each bowl offers comfort, making it a staple for any meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to build flavor, then add chicken and rice to the slow cooker. Garlic and Butter Broth Potatoes Pour in broth and seasonings, ensuring everything combines beautifully for a rich taste. Twice Baked Potato Bites.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap white rice for brown or add some frozen veggies for extra nutrition. A splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness
- Allowing the soup to simmer longer enhances its richness
- Don’t skip seasoning; it’s key to elevating this comforting dish!
I remember making this soup on a rainy day, and my kids came running into the kitchen, lured by the delicious smell. It turned into a family favorite, especially with some crusty bread on the side.
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Cranberry Chicken Salad recipe.
Absolutely! Just add it during the last hour of cooking to warm through.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free rice option and ensure your broth is gluten-free as well.
What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup?
Crusty bread or a fresh salad are great options alongside this comforting soup.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. This hearty, creamy dish combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy rice, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Minimal prep time means you can enjoy a warm, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether for family dinners or meal prep, this soup is sure to become a beloved staple!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the vegetables and mincing the garlic.
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, rice, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper on top.
- Pour in enough chicken broth to cover all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir in cream or milk if desired.
- Adjust seasoning before serving hot with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg



