Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup – A Hearty & Comforting Recipe

Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending the rich flavors of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a creamy broth seasoned with aromatic herbs. This homemade soup is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep. With a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and warmth, this dish offers a wholesome, nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Creamy yet Light – The broth is rich and comforting without being overly heavy.
• Nutritious & Hearty – Packed with protein from shredded chicken and fiber from wild rice, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
• One-Pot Recipe – Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable – Easily adaptable to dietary needs, including dairy-free and gluten-free versions.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.

Ingredients for Chicken Wild Rice Soup

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, parsley, and rosemary, cooking for another minute.

2. Cook the Wild Rice

4. Add wild rice and chicken broth to the pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
6. Cover and cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender.

3. Add the Chicken & Cream

7. Stir in the shredded chicken and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and flour (if using) to create a slurry.
9. Stir the slurry into the soup to thicken the broth.
10. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is creamy and well combined.

4. Serve & Enjoy

11. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
12. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra black pepper.

Tips for the Best Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Use High-Quality Chicken Broth – A good-quality broth enhances the depth of flavor.
• Wild Rice Takes Time – Wild rice has a firm texture and takes longer to cook than white rice. Be patient!
• Add Cream at the End – To prevent curdling, stir in the cream at the very end of cooking.
• For a Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy.
• Gluten-Free Option – Skip the flour or use cornstarch mixed with water for thickening.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Wild Rice Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply add all ingredients (except cream and flour) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cream at the end.

Can I substitute white rice for wild rice?

Wild rice gives this soup its distinct nutty flavor and chewy texture, but you can substitute white or brown rice. Reduce cooking time to 20-25 minutes.

How can I make this soup vegan?

Replace chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Swap the cream for coconut milk.

What should I serve with Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

This Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the perfect combination of creamy, hearty, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, meal prepping for the week, or serving it to guests, it’s guaranteed to impress. Rich in protein, fiber, and flavor, this soup is a satisfying and wholesome meal. Try it today and enjoy the comforting taste of home-cooked goodness!

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