This Chicken Wild Rice Soup is warm, hearty, and full of delicious flavors. It features tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and healthy veggies in a creamy broth—perfect for cozy days!
Whenever I make this soup, my kitchen smells amazing. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! I love enjoying it with crusty bread for dipping. Yum! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wild Rice: This unique grain gives the soup a lovely nutty flavor. If you can’t find wild rice, a mix of brown rice and a little bit of white rice can work. Just adjust cooking times as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Chicken: I prefer to use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor, but any cooked chicken works. If you’re vegetarian, swap in chickpeas or beans for protein.
Heavy Cream: The Richness of heavy cream makes the soup creamy. If you want it lighter, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Almond milk or oat milk can be used too, though they won’t provide the same creaminess.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery create a classic flavor base. Feel free to add in some spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Frozen mixed vegetables can also work in a pinch!
How do I Make Sure My Soup is Creamy Without Curdling?
To keep your soup creamy, it’s important to heat the cream gently. When adding the heavy cream, lower your heat and never let it boil after the cream is added. This will help prevent curdling.
- After the soup has thickened with the roux, reduce the heat before stirring in the cream.
- Always whisk the cream into the soup slowly and in a gentle manner.
- If your soup seems too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to serve a deliciously creamy soup each time you make it!
Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 cup wild rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken wild rice soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then around 50 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Most of the time is just letting the wild rice cook and the flavors meld together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Wild Rice:
Start by rinsing the wild rice under cold water to remove any impurities. In a medium pot, combine the wild rice with 2 cups of water and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45-50 minutes, until the rice is tender and some grains have popped open. Drain any excess liquid if needed.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, sliced carrot, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are tender and the onions turn translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Make the Roux:
Once the vegetables are ready, sprinkle the flour over them and stir well to coat. Let it cook for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This will create a roux that helps thicken the soup.
4. Add Broth and Simmer:
Slowly pour in the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth, carefully mixing to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until it thickens slightly, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the cooked wild rice and shredded chicken. Add the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.
6. Stir in the Cream:
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream. Heat it through, keeping it from boiling to avoid curdling. Take a moment to enjoy the lovely aroma filling your kitchen!
7. Taste Test and Serve:
Give your soup a quick taste to adjust any seasoning if needed. Once satisfied, it’s ready to serve! Pour into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped dill or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
This creamy, hearty chicken wild rice soup is perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a comforting meal. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Other Types of Rice in This Soup?
While wild rice is traditional, you can substitute with brown rice. Just note that cooking times will vary; brown rice usually takes about 45 minutes to cook, so adjust accordingly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cream, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently and stir in the cream just before serving for the best texture.
Is This Soup Freezer-Friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight freezer container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up gently on the stove.
