Imagine a cozy bowl of rich, hearty soup that warms you from the inside out while delivering the perfect balance of textures and flavors—this Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe does just that. It combines tender chunks of chicken with nutty wild rice, enlivened by fragrant herbs and comforting vegetables. This soup is not only a satisfying meal on its own but also a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a deeply satisfying way, making it an absolute favorite for chilly evenings or anytime you need a soothing, home-cooked hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe plays a crucial role, from the aromatics that build the soup’s base to the wholesome grains and tender chicken that provide substance. Using fresh and quality ingredients will elevate the flavors while keeping the preparation straightforward and enjoyable.
- Olive oil: The perfect start to sauté your vegetables, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Onion: Diced and cooked down, onions create a savory backbone for the soup.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness brightens the flavor and adds color and texture.
- Celery stalks: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast to the softer veggies.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves bring a warm, fragrant depth to the broth.
- Wild rice: Rinsed and ready to cook, wild rice gives the soup a nutty flavor and hearty bite.
- Chicken broth: The soul of the soup, it infuses every spoonful with savory goodness.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or diced, it makes the soup a filling, protein-packed meal.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: These herbs offer an earthy, aromatic touch that complements chicken beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Heavy cream or milk (optional): Adds luscious creaminess if you love a richer soup experience.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat. Gently cook the diced onion, carrots, and celery until they soften and release their natural sweetness—about 5 to 7 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic last, cooking it just a minute more so its aroma doesn’t overpower but enhances the soup’s base flavor.
Step 2: Add the Wild Rice and Broth
Next, stir the rinsed wild rice into the softened veggies to coat it in all the goodness. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a lively boil. Then, lower the heat and cover the pot, letting the soup simmer gently for 40 to 45 minutes. This slow simmer is what tenderizes the wild rice to that perfect chewy texture you crave.
Step 3: Incorporate Chicken and Seasonings
Once the rice is tender, it’s time to add the star of the dish: the cooked chicken. Stir in shredded or diced chicken along with dried thyme, rosemary, and season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. For a velvety finish, stir in half a cup of heavy cream or milk, then let the soup simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
The final touch is a handful of fresh parsley sprinkled on top just before serving. This adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens each bowl. Serve your soup alongside a warm, crusty bread for perfect dipping, and prepare for a deeply satisfying meal that comforts and delights.
How to Serve Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but you can also add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a handful of toasted nuts for crunch. A little cracked black pepper on top adds a subtle bite, enhancing every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic breads like sourdough or a buttery biscuit, perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the richness of the soup, balancing the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the soup in bread bowls or small mason jars for individual portions—great for parties or cozy dinners. Garnishing with edible flowers or finely grated Parmesan can elevate presentation and add subtle flavor notes that impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more enjoyable. Just be sure to cool the soup before refrigeration to maintain its quality.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. Store your soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you added cream before freezing, you may notice some separation; a quick whisk or addition of a splash of milk can restore a creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, brown rice is a suitable substitute but it usually cooks faster and may yield a softer texture compared to the chewy wild rice. Adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking the rice.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute the chicken with hearty mushrooms or beans for protein, making a delicious vegetarian version of this warming soup.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients (except the cream), and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream toward the end for that creamy touch.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley for garnish?
No worries—dried parsley can be used, though it won’t provide the same freshness. Alternatively, chopped chives or a sprinkle of fresh thyme can offer a lovely herbal finish.
How can I make this soup creamier without cream?
You can stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of coconut milk after cooking for creaminess without dairy. Another trick is blending a portion of the soup to create a naturally creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, this Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you try it, this soup will surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and joy to your table again and again.
Print
Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken & Wild Rice Soup made with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of sautéed vegetables. This creamy and flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy meal and packs a delightful blend of herbs and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rinsed wild rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 40–45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and cooked through.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded or diced cooked chicken, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the heavy cream or milk to make the soup creamy. Simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm, ideally with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, omit the heavy cream or use coconut milk as a substitute.
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir in during the last simmering stage.
- Wild rice can take longer to cook than other rices; soaking it for a few hours beforehand can help reduce cooking time.
- Adjust herbs and seasoning to your preference for a personalized flavor.
