If you are searching for a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with tender shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection in a creamy broth, this soup hits all the cozy notes while bringing a hearty, nourishing boost to your table. Whether you’re craving a wholesome lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe is easy to make and promises layers of rich, comforting flavors that just keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe. From fresh veggies adding crunch and sweetness to herbs that enhance depth, every element shines through.
- Olive oil: Gives a silky base for sautéing the vegetables and infuses subtle fruity notes.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and a flavorful foundation.
- Carrots (peeled and sliced): Bring a gentle earthy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks (sliced): Offer a mild bitterness and crunchy texture that balances the soup.
- Garlic (minced): Gives a lovely aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
- Dried thyme: Provides a subtle herbal warmth and complexity.
- Dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant pine-like essence that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Black pepper: For a gentle kick and seasoning depth.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.
- Uncooked wild rice blend (rinsed): The star grain with nutty flavor and a pleasing chewy texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that brings the soup together without overpowering.
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast: Tender protein that makes this soup hearty and filling.
- Whole milk or half-and-half: Creates the rich, creamy base that makes this soup irresistibly smooth.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup without chalkiness.
- Butter: Adds richness and silkiness to the roux.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh herbal finish that brightens each spoonful.
How to Make Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This step builds a flavorful base with the right texture to support the rest of the soup.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Herbs
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything for an additional minute until those heavenly aromas fill your kitchen. This brief cooking brings out the essential oils in the herbs and garlic, making every bite fragrant and inviting.
Step 3: Cook the Wild Rice and Broth
Pour in the rinsed wild rice blend and the chicken broth. Crank up the heat to bring the pot to a boil, then reduce it to low. Cover the pot and let everything simmer together for 45 to 50 minutes, until the rice is tender and has soaked in all those wonderful flavors. This slow cooking step is where the soup really starts to develop depth and heartiness.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Roux
While your soup simmers, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly add the milk or half-and-half, whisking constantly to form a smooth, thickened roux. This creamy mixture will add luscious texture and richness to the final soup.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Once the rice is tender, stir in the creamy roux along with the shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld, and the chicken warms through perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then get ready to serve your delicious creation.
How to Serve Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to add a refreshing herbal note and a splash of beautiful green color. You could also add a little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil to finish it off with finesse.
Side Dishes
A warm crusty bread or buttery garlic knots are perfect companions to scoop up every last bit of the creamy soup. A crisp, simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also provide a lovely contrast to the rich, hearty bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls to impress guests or elevate your family dinner night. Adding a few toasted nuts or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top can introduce fun texture and flavor surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Chicken & Wild Rice Soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, maintaining its comforting flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Keep in mind the soup may thicken after freezing, so plan to add extra broth or water when you thaw to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick. This method helps preserve creaminess without curdling the milk.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that enhances the soup’s flavor without extra cooking time.
Is wild rice gluten-free?
Yes, wild rice is naturally gluten-free, but always check packaging if you are serving someone with gluten intolerance, especially for blends.
Can I substitute the milk with something else?
You can swap whole milk or half-and-half with heavy cream for extra richness, or use a plant-based milk alternative if dairy is a concern, but results may vary slightly.
What can I do if my soup is too thick?
Simply add more chicken broth or water during reheating to reach your desired consistency. The soup thickens as it cools and stands.
How long does it take to cook wild rice?
In this recipe, the wild rice simmers for 45 to 50 minutes until tender, which allows the grains to absorb the broth flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe is truly a delightful combination of cozy, creamy comfort and wholesome ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that feels like home every time you make it, easy enough for weeknights but special enough to share with loved ones. I hope you enjoy crafting your own pot of this nourishing soup and find it as rewarding to eat as it was to prepare!
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Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender shredded chicken, nutritious wild rice blend, and a medley of vegetables, it’s simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth and enriched with a smooth roux made from butter and milk. Easy to make on the stovetop, this soup balances wholesome ingredients with delicious herbs like thyme and rosemary, making it a satisfying main course for any occasion.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend, rinsed
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Protein & Creamy Mixture
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Simmer Rice and Broth: Add the rinsed wild rice blend and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the wild rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Prepare the Roux: While the soup simmers, melt the butter in a separate small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk or half-and-half, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Stir the thickened roux and shredded cooked chicken into the soup pot. Mix thoroughly and let the soup simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for added color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, substitute whole milk with heavy cream.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut and adds great flavor.
- The soup thickens upon standing; add additional broth when reheating to reach desired consistency.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
