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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Sauté diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic in butter over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Slowly incorporate heavy cream into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky, thickened sauce.
- 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.
- 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