Name: Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups chicken broth; 3 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp flour; 1 cup milk or half-and-half; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 cup celery, sliced; 1 onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed; 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried parsley; Salt & pepper to taste; Mushrooms; Cooked bacon; Spinach

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If you are craving something truly comforting and nourishing, this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a warm, luscious bowl of tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a bouquet of fresh vegetables, all swimming in a velvety, flavorful broth that feels like a warm hug on chilly days. Whether you’re looking for a simple lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup delivers the perfect balance of creamy richness and wholesome goodness that will leave you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four steps of making a dish in a white pot on a white marbled surface. Step 1 shows raw ingredients arranged neatly, including sliced pink meat, yellow potatoes, green herbs, jars of salt, and white cream. Step 2 shows the white pot with pink meat pieces cooking in a light sauce. Step 3 shows the pot with chopped green vegetables added on top of the meat, creating a fresh layer of color. Step 4 shows the pot with the green vegetables cooked down and topped with white cream and green herbs, making a creamy textured top layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s giving the soup its creamy texture, boosting flavor, or adding vibrant hues to the final dish. Let’s break down the essentials so you know exactly what makes this soup shine.

Cooked chicken (2 cups): Use shredded or cubed chicken for tenderness and protein.
Uncooked wild rice blend (1 cup): Adds nutty flavor and a satisfying chewy texture.
Chicken broth (6 cups): Forms the savory, flavorful base of the soup.
Carrots, sliced (1 cup): Bring natural sweetness and a pop of color.
Celery, sliced (1 cup): Adds refreshing crunch and depth.
Onion, diced (1): A foundational flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Infuses aromatic warmth throughout the soup.
Butter (3 tbsp): Creates a rich base for sautéing and builds creaminess.
Flour (3 tbsp): Thickens the soup with a smooth roux for that signature creaminess.
Milk or half-and-half (1 cup): Adds luscious creaminess and balances flavors.
Dried thyme (1 tsp): Brings a subtle herbal note that complements chicken beautifully.
Dried parsley (1 tsp): Freshens the dish with a mild earthiness.
Salt & pepper: Season to taste and elevate all the flavors.
Optional additions: Mushrooms, cooked bacon, or spinach for extra depth and texture.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the wild rice

Begin by cooking the wild rice blend according to the package instructions, which usually takes around 35 to 40 minutes. This step is crucial because well-cooked wild rice brings that delightful chewy bite and deep nutty flavor that makes this soup stand out.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables

While the rice is cooking, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat and add the diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the onion turns translucent. This fragrant vegetable mix creates a fantastic flavor base and adds vibrant color.

Step 3: Make the roux

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously for about 1 minute. This step forms a roux, which will thicken your soup and give it that dreamy, creamy texture without the need for heavy cream. It’s the little science behind that silky consistency!

Step 4: Add the broth and chicken

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Once smooth, add the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. These ingredients come together to fill your pot with comforting aromas and hearty flavors.

Step 5: Stir in the milk and simmer

Lower the heat, then gently stir in the milk or half-and-half. Let the soup simmer for 5 to 10 minutes on low heat; avoid boiling to prevent the milk from curdling. This final step brings all the luscious elements together, resulting in a rich, cozy bowl of soup that feels like pure comfort.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

A round hollow bread bowl filled with thick, creamy white soup mixed with small pieces of light beige chicken and translucent potato chunks, topped with green herb sprinkles. The bread bowl has a golden-brown crust with a rough texture, and a matching bread lid rests behind it. A drop of soup drips down the side of the bread bowl. The bowl sits on a white plate with a floral pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your bowl of Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe, consider topping it with fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or even a dash of shredded cheese for an extra touch of indulgence. Crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms make excellent garnishes too, adding texture and bursts of flavor.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette, soft dinner rolls, or even buttery crackers to soak up all the creamy goodness. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness by adding freshness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a charming, hearty presentation. You could also ladle it into individual mini cocotte pots for a cozy dinner party feel. Adding a swirl of cream or a drizzle of herb-infused oil on top can make the dish look restaurant-worthy in no time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and texture. The wild rice may absorb some liquid, so give it a good stir and add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the soup without the milk or half-and-half to maintain the best texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw completely in the fridge and stir in the milk after reheating. This method helps keep the soup creamy and fresh-tasting.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the soup warms evenly. Add a bit more milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to stir midway for consistent warmth.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Absolutely! While wild rice offers a distinctive nutty flavor and chewy texture, brown rice is a great substitute if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time since brown rice cooks faster than wild rice.

Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Make sure your chicken broth is also gluten-free to keep it safe.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Adding hearty mushrooms, beans, or tofu can make the soup filling and delicious while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.

How can I make this soup creamier?

If you want an extra creamy texture, try adding a bit more milk or half-and-half, or finish with a splash of heavy cream just before serving. Be sure to stir gently and avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent curdling.

What are some good additions to enhance the flavor?

Adding sautéed mushrooms, cooked bacon bits, or fresh spinach leaves can add flavor complexity and texture variety to your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten up the taste beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is truly one of those soul-soothing dishes that feels like a warm embrace. Its combination of tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and creamy broth is both simple and luxurious, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy comfort that only a homemade bowl of soup can bring to your table!