1. Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Soup🥣
Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is the kind of recipe you make once… and then keep making forever. It’s warm, filling, creamy, and full of comforting flavors that feel like home in a bowl. The tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and rich broth come together to make a soup that’s both healthy and hearty.
This soup is perfect for:
- Cold evenings
- When someone’s not feeling well
- Meal prep for the week
- Family dinners that need something cozy and filling
It’s easy enough for beginners but tastes like something from a fancy café.
2. Ingredients (Shopping List)
✅ For the Soup Base:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
2 medium carrots (diced)
2 celery stalks (diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
¾ cup wild rice (not instant)
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
✅ For Creamy Texture (Optional but Recommended):
1 cup milk or heavy cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
✅ Optional Add-ins:
½ cup mushrooms (sliced)
½ cup frozen peas
Fresh parsley for garnish
3. Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Measuring cups & measuring spoons
Small bowl (to mix cream and flour)
4. Preparation Steps (Easy Mode ON)
- Chop all veggies (onion, carrots, celery).
- Mince the garlic.
- Cook or shred your chicken (rotisserie chicken works great).
- Rinse wild rice under cold water.
- Measure all ingredients in advance – cooking becomes stress-free!
5. Cooking Instructions (Let’s Get Cooking!)
Step 1: Build the Flavor
Heat butter and olive oil in a big pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds (until fragrant).
Step 2: Add the Good Stuff
Stir in chicken, wild rice, broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Lower heat and let it simmer uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until rice is tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
In a bowl, whisk milk/cream and flour together.
Slowly pour into soup while stirring.
Cook another 5–7 minutes until slightly thick.
Step 5: Final Taste Test
Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning.
🔥 Secret Tip: Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.
6. Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Crusty garlic bread
- Buttered toast
- Dinner rolls
- Side salad
Garnish with:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra black pepper
- Grated parmesan (optional)
7. Extra Tips & Fun Variations
✨ Make it healthier:
Use skim milk or coconut milk.
✨ Going dairy-free?
Skip cream and add mashed potatoes for thickness.
✨ Want heat?
Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
✨ More protein?
Add white beans or chickpeas.
✨ Slow Cooker version:
Dump all (except cream) into slow cooker and cook 6–7 hrs on low.
8. Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 540 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
9. FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Freeze without cream. Add milk after reheating.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 10 minutes.
Q: How long does it last in fridge?
3–4 days in airtight container.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour.
Q: Best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken for speed, fresh chicken for better flavor.
10. Wrap-Up (Final Thoughts)
This Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is the kind of dish that never disappoints. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for any season. Whether you’re sick, hungry, tired, or just craving something warm—this bowl delivers.
💡 Fun Fact:
Wild rice isn’t actually “rice”! It’s a type of aquatic grass originally harvested by Native Americans in North America.
Once you try this recipe, it might just become your favorite comfort food forever.
