Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Name: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 cup chopped carrots; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups cooked wild rice; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup butter; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Author: Tessa

Published: August 30, 2025

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Chicken and Wild Rice Soup has been my ultimate go-to for a comforting meal, especially on those chilly evenings when you just want a warm hug in a bowl. There’s something truly magical about a creamy, hearty soup that sticks to your ribs and makes everything feel right with the world. I remember my very first attempt at making this soup; I was a little intimidated by the “wild rice” part, thinking it would be complicated. But to my delight, it turned out to be incredibly straightforward and unbelievably delicious.

That initial success transformed my kitchen into a haven of aromatic goodness, and I’ve been perfecting this recipe ever since. It’s become a staple in my home, consistently praised by everyone who tries it. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl full of warmth, flavor, and pure comfort, proving that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite soup!

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! You’ll absolutely adore it because it brings together everything you crave in a home-cooked dish. It’s incredibly comforting, surprisingly easy to whip up, and boasts a rich, creamy texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. It truly is a delicious and satisfying bowl of goodness.

The Comfort of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup to soothe the soul. It’s the perfect antidote to a long day, a chilly evening, or simply when you need a little extra coziness. This soup wraps you in warmth, making it ideal for family dinners, quiet nights in, or sharing with loved ones.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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To create this incredibly satisfying Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, you’ll need a few key players. We start with a base of aromatic vegetables: one cup each of finely chopped onion, celery, and carrots, plus two cloves of minced garlic. For the liquid gold, grab eight cups of quality chicken broth. The stars of the show are one and a half cups of pre-cooked wild rice and two cups of cooked chicken, either shredded or diced to your preference. For that irresistible creaminess, we’ll use a half cup of heavy cream, a quarter cup of all-purpose flour, and a quarter cup of butter to make our roux. A half teaspoon of dried thyme adds a lovely herbal note, and of course, salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t forget fresh chopped parsley for that final flourish!

Key Components for Your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

The heart of this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup lies in its wholesome ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a medley of classic vegetables creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and deeply satisfying.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Making Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a truly rewarding experience, and I promise you, it’s easier than you might think! We’re going to build layers of flavor, starting with a fragrant vegetable base and ending with that luscious, creamy finish. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a delightful pot of soup ready to enjoy in about an hour. Pay attention to the timing, especially when sautéing and making the roux; these small details make a big difference in the final taste and texture of your homemade chicken and wild rice soup.

Preparing Your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Base

First things first, grab a large pot or Dutch oven and heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Let them cook gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened nicely. Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until it’s fragrant – we don’t want it to burn! Pour in the eight cups of chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, add your pre-cooked wild rice and shredded chicken.

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Now for the magic touch! In a separate small saucepan, melt a quarter cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in a quarter cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until you have a smooth, pale roux. This is what will thicken our soup beautifully. Gradually whisk this roux into your simmering soup, making sure to incorporate it fully until the soup begins to thicken. Finally, stir in the half cup of heavy cream and the dried thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then let it all simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing those wonderful flavors to meld together perfectly.

Tips for a Perfect Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creating the ultimate Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is all about smart preparation and a little bit of finesse. My first tip for a truly perfect bowl is to always pre-cook your wild rice and chicken. This simple step saves a ton of time and ensures everything finishes cooking evenly in the soup. Remember, you’re aiming for a creamy consistency, so don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of heavy cream to your liking – a little more can make it extra decadent! If you prefer a really thick soup, you can always whisk in a bit more roux until it reaches your desired richness. These small adjustments make all the difference in your homemade chicken and wild rice soup.

Storage and Reheating Your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Your delicious Chicken and Wild Rice Soup makes fantastic leftovers! Simply transfer any cooled soup into an airtight container and pop it into the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out a bit, as it can thicken in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

I get a lot of questions about this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe, and I love helping you make it your own! Here are some of the most common queries I receive, covering everything from making it ahead to ingredient swaps. My goal is for you to feel confident and excited about making this hearty, creamy soup, so don’t hesitate to experiment with these tips to perfectly suit your taste and dietary needs. Let’s make your next batch of comforting chicken and wild rice soup absolutely perfect!

Can I Make This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is fantastic for meal prepping. You can make the entire batch a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. You might find it thickens a bit, so feel free to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Substitutions for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Ingredients

Yes, you can definitely make some swaps! If you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk or a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened oat milk can work, though the soup won’t be quite as rich. For the chicken, leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken works beautifully. You can even use beef or lamb if you prefer! If you’re out of wild rice, a brown rice blend can be used, but the texture will be different. Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor in your creamy chicken and wild rice soup.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Each serving of this comforting Chicken and Wild Rice Soup provides an estimated 450 calories, with 25g of fat (12g saturated), 35g of carbohydrates (4g fiber, 8g sugar), and a robust 25g of protein. Please remember that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements of your ingredients. This hearty soup offers a balanced and satisfying meal!

Your Feedback on This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

I absolutely love hearing from you! If you try this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know how it turned out, what you loved most, or any little tweaks you made! Your feedback means the world to me and helps other home cooks. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your delicious creations on social media – tag me so I can see your beautiful bowls of creamy chicken and wild rice soup!