Cozy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe for Rainy Days

Comfort beckons with a steaming bowl of hearty chicken and wild rice soup that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

This classic soup blends tender chicken pieces with nutty wild rice in a creamy, aromatic broth.

Earthy herbs and vegetables mingle harmoniously, creating layers of robust flavor in every spoonful.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying dish that comes together effortlessly in one pot.

The rich, velvety texture and wholesome ingredients make this soup a true crowd-pleaser for any mealtime.

Packed with protein and wholesome grains, each serving delivers both nutrition and pure culinary comfort.

FAQs

• What makes wild rice different from regular rice?

Wild rice is actually a grass seed, not a true rice. It’s more nutritious, with higher protein, fiber, and antioxidant content compared to white or brown rice, giving the soup a unique texture and earthy flavor.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe. Simply shred the pre-cooked chicken and add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, this soup is nutrient-dense. Wild rice provides complex carbohydrates, the vegetables offer essential vitamins, and chicken adds lean protein, making it a balanced and wholesome meal.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – A Bowlful of Comfort

• Craft with Ease: This chicken and wild rice soup comes together without complicated steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Nourish Whole Family: Packed with tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and hearty wild rice, this soup pleases everyone from kids to adults with its comforting flavors.
• Warm Winter Comfort: Creamy and rich, this soup provides ultimate satisfaction during chilly days, delivering a hug in a bowl with its robust and wholesome ingredients.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requiring minimal prep and using simple pantry staples, this recipe transforms into a delicious meal in less than an hour, solving dinner dilemmas smoothly.

What Goes in Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory base that enhances the overall depth of the soup.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: A classic mirepoix that creates a flavorful foundation with layers of aromatic notes.

• Wild Rice: A nutty and hearty grain that adds texture and nutritional value to the soup.
• Water, Heavy Cream: Helps to create a creamy, smooth consistency and balance the soup's flavors.

• Salt, Pepper, Fresh Parsley: Simple seasonings that enhance and brighten the soup's overall taste profile.

Steps for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Base

Warm olive oil in a generous pot over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions, diced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic.

Sauté these vibrant vegetables until they become tender and release their delightful fragrance, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Introduce Wild Rice and Liquid

• Chicken broth
• Water
• Wild rice

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently reduce the heat.

Allow the pot to simmer, letting the wild rice absorb the flavorful liquid for about 40 minutes until it becomes wonderfully soft and plump.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Carefully add whole chicken breasts to the simmering pot.

Cover and let them cook for 20-25 minutes, ensuring they are completely cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Shred and Cream

Remove the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat into delectable pieces.

Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Pour in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir gently to combine all the delicious elements.

Step 5: Final Simmer and Serve

Let the soup cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving this comforting, hearty soup.

Pro Tips for Hearty Soup Lovers

• Rinse wild rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure each grain cooks evenly and remains perfectly tender.
• Poach chicken breasts gently in the broth to keep them moist and prevent overcooking, which can make the meat tough and stringy.
• Temper the heavy cream by slowly adding a small amount of hot soup to it before stirring into the pot, preventing curdling and creating a smooth, silky texture.
• Swap water with additional chicken broth or add a splash of white wine to intensify the soup's richness and complexity.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a healthier version that still maintains a creamy consistency.

Soup Variations: Wild Rice Edition

• Vegetarian Wild Rice Soup: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure wild rice is certified gluten-free, swap regular chicken broth for gluten-free variety, verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
• Low-Fat Version: Use skinless chicken breast, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt, reduce oil quantity during sautéing.
• Instant Pot Adaptation: Cook entire recipe in instant pot, reduce liquid slightly, use pressure cook function for faster preparation and more intense flavor infusion.

How to Serve Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Cozy Soup Dinner Companion: Serve with warm crusty sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Hearty Protein Boost: Pair with a simple green salad topped with grilled almonds to add extra crunch and nutrition to the meal.
• Comforting Winter Meal: Complement the soup with a glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the creamy texture and herb flavors.
• Rustic Family Style: Present the soup in large ceramic bowls and offer additional fresh parsley and cracked black pepper at the table for guests to customize their serving.

Storage for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for 3-4 days, ensuring soup is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to prevent separation.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of broth if soup appears thick.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if needed to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken and wild rice soup brings warmth to winter dinner tables with its hearty blend of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and rich, creamy broth. Nutritious ingredients and simple preparation make this classic soup a delightful meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken

Grains:

• 1 cup wild rice (uncooked)

Vegetables:

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Fats:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Thickening Agent:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Liquids:

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious stockpot over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic until vegetables become tender and aromatic, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, then introduce wild rice. Elevate heat to high, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing temperature to low, allowing the rice to simmer and absorb liquid for 40 minutes.
3. Carefully nestle whole chicken breasts into the simmering rice mixture, covering the pot and maintaining a gentle heat for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board, using two forks to methodically shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the soup.
5. Stream heavy cream into the pot, stirring thoroughly to incorporate. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken the soup’s consistency.
7. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Use rotisserie chicken to cut down cooking time and add deeper flavor complexity to the soup.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store in refrigerator to streamline the cooking process and reduce meal preparation stress.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 238 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 260 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg