Enjoy a warm bowl of chicken and wild rice soup, packed with hearty ingredients and creamy comfort. Try this easy recipe today for cozy meals.
Why You’ll Love It
Chicken and wild rice soup is the perfect comfort meal for any season. The hearty wild rice adds a nutty texture that complements tender chicken and creamy broth. It’s both nourishing and satisfying, making it a go-to on chilly days or anytime you crave warmth. Plus, this recipe is easy to make and freezes well, so you can enjoy it any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil (substitute with avocado oil or butter)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 6 cups chicken broth (use low sodium for better control)
- 1 1/2 cups wild rice, rinsed
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for dairy-free, use coconut milk)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to release the aroma.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the rinsed wild rice, thyme leaves, and bay leaf. Raise the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors and warm the chicken through.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving and enjoy your comforting bowl of chicken and wild rice soup.
For more hearty meals, visit Easy Weeknight Dinners and discover comforting recipes to try tonight. For cooking tips on warming soups, check out Food Network.
Expert Tips
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time while maintaining great flavor. Make sure to rinse the wild rice thoroughly to reduce cooking time and remove grit. If the soup thickens too much after cooling, stir in a splash of broth before reheating. To make it extra creamy, add a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end. Always taste and adjust seasoning right before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes well; transfer portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to prevent curdling.
Variations
- Vegan: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, omit chicken, and add roasted mushrooms or tofu for protein. Use coconut milk instead of cream.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using pure wild rice and gluten-free broth.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk to replace heavy cream.
- Low Carb: Swap wild rice for cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.
FAQ
- Can I make chicken and wild rice soup ahead of time?
- Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Store it chilled and reheat gently.
- Is wild rice part of the grass family?
- Yes, wild rice is a grass seed known for its chewy texture and nutty flavor.
- Can I use other types of rice?
- You can substitute wild rice with brown rice, but cooking times will vary.
- How do I prevent the soup from becoming watery when reheated?
- Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring often. You can also add a thickener like a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- What makes this chicken and wild rice soup creamy?
- Adding heavy cream and stirring it in at the end creates a rich, creamy texture without overpowering the natural flavors.
Call to Action
Did you try this chicken and wild rice soup recipe? Let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next cozy meal, rate it if you loved it, and share with friends who need some comfort food inspiration.
