Description
A cozy, creamy chicken wild rice soup packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, vegetables, and rich comforting flavor — perfect for chilly days and hearty lunches.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Protein and Grains
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Mushrooms
- Cooked bacon
- Spinach
Instructions
- Cook the wild rice: Prepare the wild rice blend according to the package instructions, typically about 35–40 minutes, until tender. Set aside once cooked.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Create the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste, forming a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth mixture.
- Add main ingredients and seasoning: Stir in the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add milk and simmer: Pour in the milk or half-and-half and reduce heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, making sure it does not boil, to blend flavors and thicken slightly.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or crackers for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick and easy preparation.
- To freeze the soup, omit the milk when freezing and add it back when reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
- Add mushrooms for extra depth of flavor, or include cooked bacon or spinach for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
