If you are craving a bowl of pure comfort, nothing warms the heart quite like this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe. Rich, hearty, and brimming with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a velvety broth infused with aromatic herbs, this soup feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a little pick-me-up, this recipe brings together simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that feels special every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each contributing to the delightful blend of creamy texture, savory depth, and vibrant color that make this soup timeless and nourishing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a subtle fruity base that helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky touch to the soup’s foundation.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Provides natural sweetness and a fragrant aroma when cooked.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: Brightens the soup with a subtle sweetness and lovely pops of orange.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Brings a crisp, fresh flavor that balances the creaminess.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with warm and robust flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements chicken and wild rice beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds an earthy, pine-like note for depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle kick without overpowering the soup.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: The key to creating a luscious roux that thickens the broth perfectly.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed: Adds a nutty texture and heartiness.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Provides protein and tender chunks in every spoonful.
- 1 cup whole milk: Contributes creaminess with a gentle dairy sweetness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that indulgently rich and velvety finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional): Adds a bright pop that lifts all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Freshness and a splash of green to crown your soup elegantly.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking them gently for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step builds the flavorful base that will carry your whole soup, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Let everything mingle and cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic releases its irresistible aroma. This layer is where the soup begins to feel like home.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps cook off the raw flour taste and starts to form the silky roux, which will thicken the soup beautifully. It’s the magic touch that makes the texture so creamy and comforting.
Step 4: Add Broth and Wild Rice
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps forming. Then stir in the rinsed wild rice and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 40 to 45 minutes until the wild rice is perfectly tender.
Step 5: Incorporate Chicken and Cream
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, whole milk, and heavy cream. Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes, letting it thicken up and the flavors harmonize. If desired, add a splash of lemon juice for a subtle brightness that lifts the creamy richness effortlessly.
Step 6: Final Touches
Adjust the seasoning to taste, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the soup just before serving. Those little pops of green make a world of difference in both presentation and flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment! A few cracks of black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a subtle twist. Crispy bacon bits or chopped chives are unexpected but delightful toppings.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables complement the creamy texture with freshness and crunch, rounding out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, perfect for a rustic dinner party. You can also ladle it into wide, shallow bowls topped with a swirl of cream and fresh herbs for an elegant presentation that invites guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep in mind the soup will thicken as it cools, so add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating for that perfect creamy consistency.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed to bring back its silken texture.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. If the soup feels too thick, just add a little broth, milk, or cream to loosen it up. You want it creamy and cozy, never dry or pasty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
While wild rice is traditional and adds its unique nutty flavor and chewy texture, you can substitute with brown rice or a long-grain rice for quicker cooking. Just adjust the simmering time accordingly to ensure the rice is tender.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe freezes well. Be sure to leave out any additions like fresh herbs or dairy toppings that might lose their texture in the freezer, and add fresh parsley after reheating.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or other plant-based cream alternatives. The flavors will shift a bit, but it will still be delicious and comforting.
How long does wild rice take to cook in the soup?
Wild rice typically needs about 40 to 45 minutes of simmering to become tender, which this recipe accommodates perfectly, ensuring a chewy, satisfying bite every time.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
Using cooked rotisserie chicken makes shredding easy and adds great flavor. Simply use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized, tender shreds that blend seamlessly into the soup.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe has a way of turning simple pantry staples into a soul-satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again. Its warmth, richness, and heartiness make it the perfect companion to any cozy night in. Go ahead, dive into a bowl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten
Description
This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting American classic, featuring tender shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and a velvety broth enriched with milk and cream. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup combines aromatic vegetables and herbs with a creamy texture that’s sure to satisfy during colder months.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Thickening & Broth
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
Protein & Creaminess
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Wild Rice: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps. Add the rinsed wild rice and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes until the wild rice is tender and cooked through.
- Add Chicken and Dairy: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, whole milk, and heavy cream. Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the soup to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve: If using, stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience and adds great flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; the soup will thicken as it sits. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the consistency.
