The Best Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty chicken and wild rice soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic recipe, creating a nourishing meal perfect for chilly evenings.

wild grains add delightful texture and nutty undertones to the creamy broth.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with colorful vegetables, delivering robust flavors in every spoonful.

Minimal preparation steps make this soup accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Nutritious and filling, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience.

Grab a ladle and let’s start cooking something special that will make everyone at the table smile.

FAQs

• What type of rice works best in this soup?

Wild rice is ideal because it has a nutty flavor and chewy texture that adds depth to the soup. Brown rice can be a suitable alternative if wild rice is unavailable.

• Can I make this soup healthier?

Yes, you can use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, add more vegetables like spinach or kale, and use skinless chicken breast to reduce calories while maintaining great flavor.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and actually develops richer flavors as it sits. Just reheat gently and stir before serving.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: Hearty and Healthy

• Boost Comfort: Packed with hearty ingredients, this soup wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-soothing meal.
• Master Meal Prep: Easily whip up a big batch that stores beautifully in the refrigerator, making lunches and quick dinners a breeze throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Loaded with tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and creamy texture, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing dinner solution.
• Quick Skill Builder: Beginner cooks can confidently tackle this recipe, learning fundamental cooking techniques like making a roux and simmering ingredients without feeling overwhelmed.

Ingredients for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that provides a hearty protein for the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that forms the base of the soup and adds depth to the overall taste.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: Classic soup vegetables that create a rich, aromatic foundation and add nutritional value.
• Bay Leaf, Thyme: Herbs that infuse the soup with warm, comforting flavors.

• Wild Rice: Nutty and nutritious grain that adds texture and substance to the soup.
• Butter, Flour: Key ingredients for creating a classic roux that helps thicken the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy texture and rich flavor to the final dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds a fresh, herbal finish to the soup.

How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In a large pot, melt butter and cook the vegetables.

Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until they become soft and release their fragrant flavors.

The vegetables will create a delicious base for the soup.

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic

Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

• Chicken broth
• Whole chicken breasts
• Wild rice
• Bay leaf
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover and let cook for 40-45 minutes until the rice becomes tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the pot.

Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back to the soup, mixing it thoroughly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Melt butter
• Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux
• Slowly incorporate heavy cream

Stir continuously to develop a thick, velvety sauce without any lumps.

Step 5: Finish the Soup

Pour the cream sauce into the soup, stirring to blend completely.

Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Pro Tips for a Flavorful Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Whisk flour and butter slowly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, silky cream sauce that perfectly thickens the soup.
• Choose wild rice blend for added texture and nutty flavor, or substitute with brown rice for a different twist.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to cut down on cooking time and add extra flavor.
• Fresh thyme and parsley elevate the soup's aroma and provide a bright, fresh finish to the creamy dish.
• Soup tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors meld overnight for maximum deliciousness.

Variations to Customize Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Vegetarian Wild Rice Soup: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for the roux, ensuring the soup remains creamy and thickened.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute wild rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli, keeping the protein and creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Instant Pot Version: Combine all ingredients in the pressure cooker, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release and stir in cream sauce for a faster preparation method.

Serving Ideas for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Cozy Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough or rustic French bread to soak up the creamy soup and add delightful texture.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp green salad featuring mixed spring greens, sliced almonds, and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness.
• Hearty Meal Enhancer: Top with crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch and a savory flavor boost that complements the chicken and wild rice.
• Wine Harmony: Complement the soup with a light white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the creamy and herbal notes of the dish.

How to Store Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing cream-based soups for best texture.
• Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if needed.
• Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Check temperature to ensure even warming.

Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and wild rice soup offers a comforting blend of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and aromatic vegetables. Minnesotans savor this nourishing bowl that warms from within and connects you to Midwestern culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Main Grains and Liquid:

• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Dairy and Thickeners:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic in butter over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Pour chicken broth into the pot and add whole chicken breasts, wild rice, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 40-45 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken is fully cooked.
3. Carefully remove chicken breasts from the soup and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return shredded chicken back to the pot.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and gradually whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Slowly incorporate heavy cream into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky, thickened sauce.
6. Pour cream sauce into the soup, stirring thoroughly to integrate and achieve a uniform consistency. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Remove bay leaf before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot in deep bowls.

Notes

• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake, ensuring a healthier version of the soup without compromising flavor.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter, less caloric alternative that still provides creamy texture.
• Toast wild rice before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor and add depth to the overall soup profile.
• Consider adding mushrooms or diced leeks for extra nutritional value and a more complex taste experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg