If you’re craving a comforting bowl of goodness that brings warmth and nourishment all in one pot, this Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a rich, hearty soup bursting with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and vibrant veggies, all steeped in a fragrant broth that hugs your taste buds with every spoonful. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or need a satisfying crowd-pleaser, this recipe hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and just the right touch of creaminess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating an unforgettable Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe starts with simple ingredients that each play a crucial role, from building hearty texture to layering inviting flavors and adding vibrant color. These essentials work together effortlessly to give your soup the cozy, homemade charm you’ll love.
- Olive oil: A quality base for sautéing your veggies that adds subtle richness.
- Onion, diced: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth when softened.
- Carrots, diced: Adds a splash of color and natural sweetness to balance the dish.
- Celery stalks, diced: Lends a lovely aromatic crunch and earthiness.
- Garlic, minced: Gives a warm, inviting aroma and flavor boost.
- Wild rice, rinsed: This hearty grain adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor that’s a standout in this recipe.
- Chicken broth: Provides the savory foundation that’s rich and comforting.
- Cooked chicken: Use shredded or diced to infuse protein and satisfying heartiness.
- Dried thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Dried rosemary: Adds an earthy, pine-like note to elevate the soup.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every flavor.
- Heavy cream or milk (optional): For those who love a touch of creaminess to make the soup extra luscious.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, bright garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until they turn tender and release their natural sweetness—about 5 to 7 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook just for a minute more to awaken its wonderful aroma without letting it burn. This veggie base is where the magic begins, bringing layers of warmth and flavor to the soup.
Step 2: Add Rice and Broth
Next, add the rinsed wild rice to the pot and give everything a good stir to combine. Pour in the full 6 cups of chicken broth, then crank up the heat until the mixture reaches a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the wild rice softens to tender perfection and releases its nutty character into the broth. This slow simmer is the secret to a soul-satisfying texture.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings
With your rice perfectly cooked, stir in the shredded cooked chicken along with dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This is where your soup takes shape, balancing herbaceous notes with savory chicken goodness. If you’re craving extra creaminess, pour in the heavy cream or milk now, gently simmering the soup for an additional 5 to 10 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
At the final step, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley to add a fresh, vibrant touch. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it up warm, ideally alongside some crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop. This step brings not only flavor but a feast for the eyes, making every serving as inviting as it is comforting.
How to Serve Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but don’t stop there—add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a swirl of cream for an elegant finish. Crispy bacon bits or a handful of toasted nuts can add delightful crunch if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to sop up its silky broth. A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can brighten the meal, balancing richness with fresh, crisp bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls for a charming, edible presentation. Alternatively, top it with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream if you want to add a creamy twist and extra comfort. For entertaining, serve the soup in small cups or shot glasses as a flavorful starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent choice for weekday lunches or cozy dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months by placing it in freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind the texture of wild rice may change slightly but the flavor will remain delicious. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Avoid boiling to maintain the creaminess and prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will work well, though it may need a slightly shorter cooking time. The flavor is milder compared to wild rice but still hearty and delicious.
Is it necessary to use cooked chicken?
Cooked chicken is best to add at the end to prevent overcooking, but if you only have raw chicken, you can cook it separately or cube it and add it earlier, making sure it cooks through fully.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the heavy cream or substitute it with coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy milk for a creamy texture without dairy.
How long will this soup keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your soup will stay fresh and tasty for about 4 days.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely, feel free to add mushrooms, peas, or green beans. Just add them at the appropriate cooking stage so they stay tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade soup that combines wholesome ingredients with hearty wild rice and tender chicken. This Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to the table and joy to the heart. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again!
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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: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Chicken & Wild Rice Soup combines tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and aromatic herbs in a creamy, comforting broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it features sautéed vegetables and simmered rice infused with chicken broth, finished with a touch of cream and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rinsed wild rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 40–45 minutes until the wild rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded or diced cooked chicken, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. If desired, pour in the heavy cream or milk to add creaminess. Simmer the soup uncovered for 5–10 more minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and ladle soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- Rinsing the wild rice before cooking removes excess starch and improves texture.
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftovers to save time.
- Heavy cream adds richness; substitute with milk for a lighter option or omit for a broth-based soup.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference after adding the cream.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes nicely.
