Easy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe: Creamy Comfort in a Bowl

Warm memories of comfort swirl around this hearty chicken & wild rice soup that feels like a culinary hug.

My grandmother’s kitchen always smelled incredible when she prepared similar dishes.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among nutty wild rice grains, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Earthy herbs and rich broth combine to make something truly special.

Winter evenings demand this kind of nourishing meal that fills your home with delightful aromas.

Hearty yet elegant, this soup promises to become a cherished recipe you’ll make again and again.

Let’s transform simple ingredients into something magical that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Is Always Comforting

• Dive into a soup that's ridiculously simple to prepare with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Whip up this hearty chicken and wild rice soup in just about an hour, delivering restaurant-quality taste with everyday ingredients.
• Packed with nutritious vegetables, lean protein, and warming herbs, this soup provides a wholesome meal that boosts immunity and satisfies hunger.
• Creates a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and delicious with its creamy, comforting texture.

What You Need for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender meat that adds hearty protein to the soup, boneless and skinless for easy shredding.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base with sweet and savory flavors, fresh and crisp vegetables for texture and nutrition.
• Garlic: Adds depth and rich aromatic notes, fresh cloves preferred for best flavor.

• Thyme, Rosemary: Classic herbs that provide earthy and warm undertones, dried or fresh options work well.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall soup flavor, freshly ground pepper recommended.

• Wild Rice: Nutty and hearty grain that adds texture and nutritional value, provides a rustic and wholesome element to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Foundational liquid that creates the soup's base, low-sodium options give more control over seasoning.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a creamy, smooth texture, full-fat version recommended.

• Butter, Flour: Used to create a classic roux for thickening the soup, unsalted butter works best.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright color and light flavor to finish the soup.

How to Prepare Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Easily

Step 1: Sear the Protein

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat

Add chicken breasts or thighs

Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until fully done

Remove chicken and let cool

Shred into bite-sized pieces

Step 2: Create Vegetable Base

• Diced onion
• Sliced carrots
• Chopped celery

Saute vegetables for 5-7 minutes until softened

Toss in minced garlic

Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Pour chicken broth into pot

Add wild rice

• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Black pepper
• Salt

Bring to boil

Reduce heat to low

Cover and simmer 45-50 minutes until rice is tender

Step 4: Craft Creamy Roux

Melt butter in small saucepan

Whisk in flour

Cook 1-2 minutes

Gradually add heavy cream

Whisk continuously

Thicken for 2-3 minutes

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Stir shredded chicken into soup

Add cream mixture

Simmer 5-10 minutes

Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley

Serve piping hot

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Every Time

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in herbs and lemon juice before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness of the meat.
• Perfect Rice Texture: Rinse wild rice before adding to the soup to remove excess starch and prevent clumping during cooking.
• Customize Creaminess: Adjust thickness by adding more cream or broth depending on your preferred soup consistency.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use gluten-free flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Cook chicken and chop vegetables in advance to reduce total cooking time and simplify meal preparation.

Storing and Reheating Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Correctly

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the soup stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best flavor and texture.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated. Check temperature to ensure even warming.

What Works Well With Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Choose a medium-bodied Chardonnay with buttery notes that mirror the soup's creamy texture, enhancing the wild rice and chicken's rich profile.
• Select a smooth amber ale or wheat beer that offers subtle maltiness, cutting through the soup's creaminess while providing a refreshing contrast.
• Serve crusty sourdough or rosemary focaccia for dipping, which adds textural crunch and absorbs the soup's delicious herbal undertones.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with crisp apple slices and toasted walnuts, introducing a bright, peppery element that cleanses the palate between spoonfuls.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter when creating the roux.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap wild rice with cauliflower rice or riced zucchini. Reduce cooking time and add extra herbs for flavor enhancement.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra vegetables like mushrooms for protein and texture.

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Chicken & Wild Rice Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and rich, creamy broth. Warm spices and wholesome ingredients create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 6 cups (1.4L) chicken broth
• 1 cup (185g) uncooked wild rice blend
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by searing chicken in a spacious pot with heated olive oil. Cook until golden and thoroughly done, then extract from the pot and let cool before gently shredding into tender morsels.
2. Utilize the same cooking vessel to sauté aromatic vegetables. Introduce diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery, allowing them to soften and release their flavors. Incorporate minced garlic and toast briefly until fragrant.
3. Infuse the base with rich chicken broth, introducing wild rice and a medley of dried herbs like thyme and rosemary. Season with black pepper and salt for depth. Elevate to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, covering and allowing the rice to tenderize for approximately 45 minutes.
4. Craft a luxurious cream liaison by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a velvety roux. Gradually stream in heavy cream, continuously stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, thickened consistency.
5. Reunite the shredded chicken with the herb-infused broth, gently folding in the cream mixture. Allow the soup to harmonize its flavors through a brief additional simmer. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant finishing touch before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Always use fresh herbs to enhance the soup’s depth of flavor, as dried herbs can make the dish taste flat and less vibrant.
• When shredding chicken, let it cool slightly to prevent burning your fingers, and use two forks to pull the meat apart for consistent, tender pieces.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, reducing the total fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Consider toasting wild rice briefly in the pot before adding broth to develop a nutty, richer undertone that elevates the overall soup complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 100mg