This creamy chicken and wild rice soup is perfect for chilly days! It’s packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and hearty wild rice, all in a rich, comforting broth.
I love how easy this soup is to whip up in one pot! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for when I’m looking for something cozy and delicious. 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wild Rice: This grain gives the soup a nutty flavor and chewy texture. If you can’t find wild rice, you can substitute it with brown rice or quinoa. However, be mindful of cooking times as they differ.
Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken works well. You can also use shredded turkey if you have it handy.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using half-and-half or whole milk. Non-dairy options like coconut cream could also work for a different flavor.
Flour: To thicken the soup, I use all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free version, you can easily swap this for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, mixed with a bit of water before adding.
How Do I Ensure My Rice Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking wild rice can be tricky, but following a few steps can make it foolproof. First, remember to rinse and soak the rice for at least 30 minutes—this helps it cook more evenly. When adding it to the soup, make sure the broth is boiling, then reduce the heat and cover. Don’t forget to check it regularly, as cooking times can vary based on the brand.
- For best results, wait until the rice opens up and expands to ensure it is tender.
- If it starts to stick at the bottom of the pot, just stir gently—this will help free it up.
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Broth:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Thickening and Flavoring:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For Garnish:
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken and wild rice soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 1 hour to cook. So set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes for the whole process. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking.
2. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. This adds a delicious aroma to your soup!
3. Mix in Flour:
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat everything. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Incorporate Broth:
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine and eliminate any lumps from the flour. This will create a nice, smooth base for your soup.
5. Add Wild Rice and Herbs:
Add the wild rice, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the wild rice is tender.
6. Stir in Chicken and Cream:
Once the rice is ready, stir in the cooked chicken and heavy cream. Heat it through for about 5-10 minutes, but be careful not to bring it to a boil once the cream is added. Adjust any seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy chicken and wild rice soup!
FAQ for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Wild Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for wild rice! Just note that brown rice cooks a bit faster, so you may need to reduce the simmering time to about 30-40 minutes or until tender.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a gluten-free flour for thickening. This will give you a deliciously creamy soup without the dairy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the soup base (steps 1-5) a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat it, then add the cooked chicken and cream, heating through before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully!
