Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a heartwarming dish perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting meal. This soup combines tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and a creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s rich in flavor, full of nutrients, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is simple to make, which makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or for serving to guests. One bowl is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Firstly, the flavor combination is delightful. The earthiness of the wild rice pairs beautifully with the subtle taste of chicken and the richness of the creamy broth. Secondly, it’s packed with vegetables, making it a nutritious choice for your family. Each spoonful is filled with vitamins and minerals that help you feel good.
Moreover, this recipe is versatile — you can customize it to suit dietary preferences, whether you want to make it gluten-free or vegan. The simplicity of the cooking process means you don’t need to be an experienced chef to create a standout dish. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, tasting just as good, if not better, the next day.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Making this delicious soup is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide that will walk you through the process, ensuring you end up with a pot of creamy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 1 shallot or small yellow onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 6 cups chicken stock or broth (plus more for reheating, if needed)
- 1 lb chicken breasts, halved (about 2 breasts)
- 1 cup wild blend rice
- ½ cup butter (or vegan butter)
- ½ cup gluten-free flour blend
- 2 cups milk (any kind)
Directions:
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Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and shallot (or onion). Season with salt and pepper and sauté for about 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. -
Add Garlic and Herbs
Add the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, and thyme to the pot. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until the garlic is fragrant. -
Pour in Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat to high. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. -
Cook the Chicken
Once boiling, add the halved chicken breasts. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, set it aside, and once it cools, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. -
Add the Rice
Stir the wild blend rice into the broth, cover, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is al dente. -
Make the Cream Sauce
While the rice cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the gluten-free flour until combined and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring frequently to form a smooth sauce. Continue stirring until thickened, about 1-2 minutes. -
Combine Everything
Slowly pour the cream mixture into the soup while whisking constantly. Add the shredded chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the soup is thick and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. -
Serve
Let the soup sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup can be served in a variety of ways. A classic approach is to ladle the soup into deep bowls and serve it hot. You can enhance the dining experience by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a touch of color and flavor. Freshly baked bread or croutons on the side can add texture and make the meal more filling.
Consider a light salad as an accompaniment for a complete dinner. The freshness of greens helps balance the richness of the soup, making for a well-rounded meal.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Proper storage is essential to keep your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup fresh. To store, allow the soup to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. The soup will keep well for 3-4 days.
If you desire to keep the soup for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove, adding remaining chicken broth as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
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Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your soup greatly depends on the quality of chicken broth and the freshness of your vegetables. Opt for low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
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Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition and texture.
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Cook Rice Separately: For an even creamier soup, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it to the broth. This prevents the rice from becoming too soft.
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Vegan Option: To make a vegan version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and substitute non-dairy milk and butter.
Variations
While the core recipe is delicious, exploring variations can keep your meal interesting. Here are a few ideas:
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to introduce a spicy element.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or dill to give the soup a unique flavor twist.
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Cream Cheese: For an even richer creaminess, consider stirring in a block of cream cheese after you add the chicken back into the pot.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works beautifully in this soup. Just add it towards the end of cooking.
2. Is wild rice different from regular rice?
Yes, wild rice is a whole grain that has a firmer texture and a nutty flavor compared to regular white or brown rice.
3. Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat it gently before serving.
4. How can I thicken the soup more?
If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer on low heat or add an extra tablespoon of gluten-free flour or another thickening agent.
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a heartwarming meal that invites everyone to gather around the table. By following these simple steps, you can create a dish that’s not only appealing to the palate but also nurturing to the soul. Enjoy this delightful soup with your loved ones, and watch it become a favorite in your household!
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Ladle
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup wild rice uncooked
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Finish
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken, broth, wild rice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour and milk until smooth. Stir into the soup and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in heavy cream and heat through. Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.
