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
Scale
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.
