Quick, creamy, and ridiculously comforting—Souper Rice combines chicken soup, broth, instant rice, and Parmesan for the ultimate easy side dish.
You ever have one of those nights where everything feels like too much effort? You stare at the fridge like it’s a magic portal, waiting for it to deliver a hot meal straight into your hands. Yeah, that was me last week.
It had been a long day—I won’t bore you with details, but let’s just say it involved stepping on a rogue LEGO, forgetting my grocery list, and realizing I was out of coffee after making a full cup of hot water. By dinnertime, I was over it.
So, I did what any resourceful (or just lazy) cook does: I scanned my pantry for something—anything—that wouldn’t require chopping, stirring for ages, or excessive cleanup. And that’s when I saw it. A can of cream of chicken soup. A lonely box of instant rice. Parmesan cheese. Chicken broth. A lightbulb moment.
I threw it all in a pan, crossed my fingers, and boom—Souper Rice was born. One bite in, I knew I had something special. Creamy, cozy, and stupidly easy to make. And now? It’s my go-to whenever I need a side dish that doesn’t make me want to cry from exhaustion.
Why You’ll Love This Souper Rice Recipe?
- Minimal ingredients, max comfort – You only need five pantry staples, and they come together like a dream.
- Ridiculously fast – 13 minutes from start to finish. No chopping. No stress.
- Creamy, cheesy goodness – The soup and Parmesan make it silky smooth and rich.
- Picky-eater approved – Because let’s be honest, no one complains about cheesy rice.
- Pairs with literally anything – Chicken? Yes. Steak? Of course. A spoon straight from the pan? No judgment.
Ingredient Notes:
I know, I know. It’s only five ingredients. But let’s break them down anyway because the details matter.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – This is the magic that makes it all come together. It’s thick, creamy, and adds a savory depth that plain rice just can’t achieve. You can go with the regular version or the 98% fat-free if you want to feel mildly virtuous.
- Chicken Broth – Gives the rice flavor and keeps it from turning into a sad, sticky clump. If you’re out of broth, water technically works, but you’ll miss out on some of that cozy, homemade taste.
- Instant White Rice – The key to keeping this fast. Swap in regular white rice, and suddenly, you’re cooking for 20 minutes instead of 5. Just sayin’.
- Parmesan Cheese – A little goes a long way. That sharp, salty bite takes this from “just rice” to next-level comfort food. If you’ve got the fresh stuff, great. If not, the green can does the job.
- Black Pepper – You only need a dash, but it gives the dish a little warmth and balance. Want to spice things up? Try a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
Pro Tip: Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for an extra luxurious, restaurant-style finish. You will thank me.
How To Make Souper Rice?
Step 1: Heat the base
Grab a medium saucepan and toss in the cream of chicken soup and broth. Set it over medium-high heat and bring it to a gentle boil. This step helps thin out the soup so it can evenly coat every grain of rice.
Step 2: Add the good stuff
Once it starts bubbling, stir in the rice, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Make sure you stir well—no sad, clumpy rice allowed.
Step 3: Cover and let it work its magic
Want To Save This Recipe?
Take the saucepan off the heat, slap on a lid, and walk away. Seriously, just let it sit for 5–8 minutes. The rice will soak up all that creamy goodness while you go pretend to be productive.
Step 4: Fluff and serve
After resting, grab a fork and fluff the rice. If it looks too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it up. Then, dig in!
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? First of all, impressive. Second, here’s how to store them:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creaminess.
- Freezer: Meh. I wouldn’t recommend it. Rice can get weird and mushy when frozen. If you have to freeze it, do so in small portions and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Microwave in short bursts with a bit of extra liquid, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Try one of these fun twists:
- Make it cheesy – Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra melty goodness.
- Add protein – Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked sausage, or even crispy bacon.
- Go veggie-friendly – Use veggie broth and swap cream of chicken for cream of mushroom or celery.
- Spice it up – Garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of hot sauce = chef’s kiss.
What to Serve with Souper Rice?
This dish is basically a food chameleon. It works with everything.
- Grilled Chicken – A classic combo.
- Steak or Pork Chops – Creamy rice + juicy meat = yes, please.
- Roasted Vegetables – Because balance, I guess?
- A Big Side Salad – Fresh, crisp, and perfect for contrast.
- Crispy Tofu or Tempeh – If you’re keeping it vegetarian, this adds texture and protein.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use regular rice instead of instant?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Instant rice soaks up liquid fast, while regular rice takes its sweet time.
Can I make this in the microwave?
Yep! Heat the broth and soup in a microwave-safe bowl until hot, then stir in the rice, cheese, and pepper. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Is this gluten-free?
Not quite—most canned cream soups contain gluten. But grab a gluten-free version, and you’re good to go!
Souper Rice is one of those recipes that feels like a cheat code for dinner. It’s cozy, effortless, and pairs with literally anything. If you’ve got five ingredients and 13 minutes, you’ve got a side dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Give it a try, and let me know—what’s your favorite way to make it? I’m always looking for new ideas!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Souper Rice
Ingredients
- 1 10.5-ounces can cream of chicken soup (can use 98% fat free)
- 1½ c chicken broth
- 1½ c uncooked instant white rice
- ¼ c grated Parmesan cheese green can or fresh
- Dash freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the chicken soup and broth in a saucepan until it comes to a boil, over medium-high heat.
- Add the rice, Parmesan cheese and black pepper while stirring.
- Cover the saucepan. Take it off the heat.
- Allow it to sit for 5 to 8 minutes until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
