If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and a melody of savory vegetables, this soup is a luscious hug on a chilly day. Every spoonful carries rich, creamy textures balanced by earthy herbs and the delightful chew of wild rice, making it an absolute favorite whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is easier than you might think. Each ingredient plays a simple yet essential role in building layered flavors and inviting textures that make this soup truly special.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or diced for tender, protein-packed bites throughout the soup.
- Uncooked wild rice: Rinsed to remove excess starch, this adds delightful nuttiness and a chewy texture.
- Carrots: Peeled and sliced to bring natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks: Diced for a subtle crunch and aromatic depth.
- Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed to create a savory base with a hint of sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a fragrant punch that elevates the whole dish.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Seven cups to provide rich flavor without overpowering saltiness.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the broth with a subtle herbal aroma.
- Dried thyme: Adds earthiness and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Dried rosemary: Delivers a pine-like fragrance that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season perfectly at the end of cooking.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbal brightness and a pop of green.
- Olive oil: For sautéing vegetables, adding richness, and melding flavors.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Cook them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and release their wonderful, fragrant aromas. This step lays down the flavorful foundation for the soup, coaxing out the natural sweetness of the vegetables that balances the savory notes to come.
Step 2: Bloom the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic directly into the pot. Let it cook for just a minute – no longer – so it becomes fragrant without turning bitter. This brief blooming step helps the garlic unfold its rich flavor and blend seamlessly with the softened vegetables.
Step 3: Simmer the Rice and Broth
Add the rinsed wild rice along with the low-sodium chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer gently for 40 to 45 minutes until the wild rice transforms into tender, chewy morsels filled with all those lovely herbal and broth flavors.
Step 4: Incorporate the Chicken
Once your rice is perfectly cooked, stir in the cooked shredded chicken. Let it simmer a little longer for about 5 to 8 minutes so the chicken heats through and mingles with the rest of the ingredients, imparting its own delightful savoriness throughout the soup.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Remove the bay leaf from the pot, and then season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Adjusting seasoning at this stage is key to balancing all the flavors harmoniously before serving.
Step 6: Serve with a Sprinkle of Fresh Parsley
Ladle this warm, creamy goodness into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This final touch brings a burst of color and a fresh brightness, perfectly contrasting the rich, hearty soup.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh chopped parsley is a classic and beautiful garnish, feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of shredded parmesan or a few croutons for extra texture and flavor contrast. A light drizzle of cream or a swirl of sour cream can also enhance the creamy experience if you want to indulge even more.
Side Dishes
Serve your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe alongside crusty bread, garlic rolls, or a simple side salad for a complete, satisfying meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of this luscious soup, while a crisp salad can add a refreshing, bright balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider using hollowed-out bread bowls to serve the soup. It’s a charming presentation that doubles as an edible vessel. Another idea is to portion the soup in clear glass mugs so the layers of ingredients shine through, enticing every hungry eater before the first sip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and keep all those flavors vibrant. It’s convenient for busy weeknights when you want a warm homemade meal with minimal effort.
Freezing
This soup also freezes wonderfully, which makes it a fantastic meal prep option. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, ready to be thawed and enjoyed on days when comfort food calls.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it gently over low heat on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice if you prefer; just keep in mind the cooking time will be shorter and the texture will be softer rather than chewy and nutty like wild rice.
Is it necessary to rinse the wild rice?
Rinsing wild rice removes excess starch and any impurities, helping to keep your soup broth clear and prevent it from becoming too thick or gummy.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! This recipe doesn’t include cream or milk, so it’s naturally dairy-free and still wonderfully creamy thanks to the hearty vegetables and chicken broth. Just ensure the broth you use is dairy-free as well.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you like a thicker consistency, you can whisk a little flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering soup near the end of cooking. Let it simmer a few more minutes until thickened to your liking.
Can leftovers be reheated multiple times?
It’s best to reheat only the portion you plan to eat to keep the quality high. Reheating multiple times can break down the texture and flavors, so try to avoid repeated reheating for the best taste.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe enough if you’re craving a heartwarming, nourishing meal that feels both special and downright comforting. It’s simple to make yet packed with rich flavors and textures that speak to the soul. Once you try it, I have no doubt it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection – one to return to whenever you want that perfect bowl of cozy goodness.
Print
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and flavorful bowl of goodness, featuring tender shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of aromatic vegetables simmered in a savory low-sodium chicken broth. Perfect for warming up on chilly days, this homemade soup is both wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Bloom garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer rice: Add rinsed wild rice, chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender.
- Incorporate chicken: Add the cooked shredded chicken to the pot and stir well. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 to 8 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Season and finish: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the wild rice before cooking to remove excess starch and impurities.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken if short on time.
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk near the end of cooking.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences.
