Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe – Easy & Delicious
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for cold days or when you need a warm, nourishing meal. This creamy soup blends tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a rich, savory broth infused with herbs and vegetables. The recipe is not only delicious but also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for families. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep option, this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main Course, Soup
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: 350 kcal
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
- 1/2 cup water (if using flour for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Wild Rice
- Add the rinsed wild rice to the pot and pour in the chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cream
- Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk the flour and water together in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in the whole milk or heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serve
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and adds extra flavor to the soup.
- Rinse the Wild Rice: This removes excess starch and prevents the soup from becoming too thick.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Add Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or kale can enhance both the flavor and nutrition.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is the ultimate cozy meal that’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and full of comforting flavors. Perfect for meal prep or a satisfying dinner, it’s a must-try for soup lovers!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.