If you’re craving a comforting bowl that hugs you from the inside out, you’re going to love this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a creamy, flavorful broth that balances hearty veggies and subtle herbs. This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and invites you to slow down and savor every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a chilly evening or a casual family gathering, this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe delivers that cozy, homemade goodness you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together simple and wholesome ingredients, each playing a vital role to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this soup truly special. From the earthy wild rice to the fresh vegetables and creamy broth, every component is essential.
- 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend: Adds a chewy texture and earthy flavor that sets this soup apart.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and adds a mild fruity richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Brings a silky richness to the base for that comforting mouthfeel.
- 1 stick celery, chopped finely: Adds freshness and a slight crunch to balance the creaminess.
- 2 medium carrots, peeled & chopped finely: Contributes natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Builds a savory foundation with its aromatic qualities.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with fragrant depth and warmth.
- 1/4 cup flour: Works as a thickening agent to create a luscious, velvety broth.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup that carries all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a robust blend of herbs that enhance the overall taste.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Adds luxurious creaminess making each spoonful dreamy.
- 1 pound uncooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces: Provides tender protein that soaks up all the flavors.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in every ingredient.
- 1 small handful chopped fresh parsley (optional but recommended): Adds a fresh, bright finish to the soup.
How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice
Begin by cooking the wild rice blend according to the package instructions. This sturdy grain takes a bit longer to cook than regular rice but its nutty flavor and chewy texture are well worth the wait. Once cooked, set it aside—this step ensures it’s perfectly tender when it joins the soup later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté these fresh veggies for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop a lovely golden tint. This step builds the soup’s flavor foundation, so don’t rush it. If things start to brown too fast, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Flour
Stir in the minced garlic and sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables. Cook this mixture for about one minute, allowing the flour to absorb the butter and oil and start to toast just a bit. This technique will help thicken your soup later and create that creamy texture we are aiming for.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. As the liquid simmers, scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits — these create extra flavor depth that will make your soup taste even more homemade. Stir until the flour has fully dissolved and the broth is smooth.
Step 5: Add Seasoning, Cream, Chicken, and Rice
Now stir in the Italian seasoning, heavy cream, raw chicken pieces, and the cooked wild rice. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Let this simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Fresh Herbs
Before serving, season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste—we like to be bold here! Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley if you’re using it, adding a lovely pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness that lifts the whole dish.
How to Serve Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch, but feel free to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for an extra layer of flavor. A few freshly cracked black pepper flakes can also make the soup feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This soup shines beautifully when paired with fresh, crusty bread or homemade garlic bread for dipping into the creamy broth. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the soup perfectly, making your meal wholesome and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt swirled on top for creaminess and tang. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds like pumpkin or pine nuts over the soup for an unexpected crunchy contrast that delights the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick, comforting lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, which makes it a great dish to prepare in advance. Allow the soup to cool completely, then place it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some room at the top, as the cream can cause the soup to expand slightly when frozen.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the dairy from curdling. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the soup if it feels a bit thick after storage or freezing. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the cream silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes! Brown rice is a fine substitute if you don’t have wild rice on hand. It cooks more quickly and offers a softer texture, so you may want to adjust cooking times slightly to make sure the rice doesn’t get mushy.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to keep the soup creamy and rich without dairy. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be a little different but still delicious.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can! If using cooked chicken, add it towards the end of the cooking process just to warm it through. This will also cut down the overall cooking time, making the recipe quicker without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can increase the flour slightly or simmer the soup a bit longer uncovered to reduce the liquid. Another trick is to blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in for natural thickening.
What herbs work best in this soup?
Italian seasoning is a great all-in-one herb blend for this recipe, but you can also play with thyme, rosemary, or sage for a more rustic or earthy flavor profile. Fresh parsley at the end always brightens up the soup wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings joy with every spoonful. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make it both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you serve it on a chilly night or bring it to a potluck, it’s sure to become a favorite that everyone asks you to make again. So go ahead, dive into this cozy bowl of comfort and enjoy every tasty, warm bite.
Print
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken and Wild Rice Soup combines tender chicken breast, a flavorful wild rice blend, and a creamy broth packed with vegetables like celery, carrots, and onions. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and offers a rich, savory meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 stick celery, chopped finely
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped finely
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Protein & Seasonings
- 1 pound uncooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces/strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small handful chopped fresh parsley (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Cook the wild rice blend according to the package directions until tender. This typically takes around 40-45 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter. Add finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and lightly browned. Reduce heat slightly if vegetables begin to brown too quickly.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and flour, cooking for about one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a roux base for thickening.
- Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Continue stirring until the flour is fully dissolved into the broth.
- Add Seasonings, Cream, Chicken, and Rice: Stir in Italian seasoning, heavy cream, cut chicken pieces, and the cooked wild rice. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, stir the soup well, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and cook for 8-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season the soup generously with salt and pepper. Stir in chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve hot.
Notes
- Wild rice blend may include a mixture of wild rice and other varieties such as brown or white rice for quicker cooking.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but this will reduce the creaminess.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adjust seasoning gradually, especially the salt, to suit your taste preferences.
