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Comforting Creamy Chicken Rice Chowder: A Weeknight Delight

Velvety, subtly spiced rice chowder featuring tender chicken and hearty vegetables.

Janelle

By Janelle

Updated: January 18, 2026

Why I Love This Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chowder, especially when it's brimming with wholesome ingredients. This Creamy Chicken Rice Chowder takes that cozy feeling to the next level. Think of it as a hug in a bowl – tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy broth that's seasoned just right. This isn't your average soup; it's a satisfying and flavorful meal that's easy to make and perfect for chilly evenings.

  • •Silky Smooth Texture - The combination of cream cheese and heavy cream creates a luxurious, velvety base that clings to every grain of rice and piece of chicken.
  • •Subtle Thyme Infusion - Dried thyme adds a delicate, earthy aroma that elevates the entire dish without overpowering the other flavors.
  • •Hearty and Filling - This chowder is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal in itself.
  • •Kid-Friendly Flavors - The creamy texture and mild flavors appeal to even the pickiest eaters, making it a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
  • •One-Pot Wonder - Minimal cleanup required! This chowder comes together in a single pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 6 cups Chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup Long-grain rice (uncooked)
  • 1 medium Yellow onion (diced)
  • 2 medium Carrots (diced)
  • 2 stalks Celery (diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 4 oz Cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil should shimmer slightly, indicating it's hot enough to properly sauté the vegetables.

    ~2 min

  2. 2

    Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for the chowder.

    ~7 min

  3. 3

    Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

    ~1 min

  4. 4

    Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor to the chowder.

    ~7 min

  5. 5

    Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Ensure all the chicken is submerged in the broth for even cooking.

    ~3 min

  6. 6

    Stir in the uncooked long-grain rice and dried thyme. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through. The rice should be tender but not mushy.

    ~20 min

  7. 7

    Check the chicken to ensure it is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If not fully cooked, continue simmering for a few more minutes.

    ~2 min

  8. 8

    Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and incorporated into the broth. This will create a creamy and rich base for the chowder.

    ~2 min

  9. 9

    Stir in the heavy cream. The heavy cream adds extra richness and smooths out the texture of the chowder.

    ~1 min

  10. 10

    Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to your preference.

    ~1 min

  11. 11

    Serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can add a pop of color and freshness.

    ~1 min

How Do I Know It's Ready?

The chicken should be cooked through (165°F internal temp), and the rice should be tender and fully absorbed the broth. The broth should be creamy and smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

While you can freeze it, the texture of the cream cheese and heavy cream may change slightly upon thawing. It's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Comforting Creamy Chicken Rice Chowder: A Weeknight Delight as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!