Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

If you are craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It combines tender shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and a silky creamy broth loaded with aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables. Each spoonful brings a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it ideal for chilly days or whenever you need a little kitchen-made coziness. Trust me, once you try this soup, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, and maybe thirds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe lies in its simple, easy-to-find ingredients that all play a vital role. From the hearty wild rice that adds chewiness and earthiness to the creamy dairy that smooths everything out, each item works together to create a deeply satisfying dish.

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded: Adds tender, protein-packed goodness with rich flavor.
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed: Provides a nutty texture and wholesome bite that balances the creamy broth.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Builds a savory foundation with subtle sweetness once cooked.
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Brings aromatic freshness and a bit of crunch.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the soup with warm, fragrant depth.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base full of umami.
• 2 cups whole milk: Offers creaminess and softens the flavors gently.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and luxurious texture to the soup.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to a silky consistency.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Used for sautéeing vegetables and forming a roux.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Brings earthy, slightly floral notes that pair beautifully with chicken.
• 1 tsp dried parsley: Adds a mild, fresh herbaceousness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): A burst of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

Start by combining the rinsed wild rice with water in a large pot and bringing it to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 40 to 45 minutes. This slow cooking allows the rice to become tender and soak up all the moisture, creating that perfect chewy texture you want in every spoonful.

Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base

While the rice simmers, melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until they soften and the onion becomes translucent—this usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. This combo is the classic mirepoix that gives your soup that solid, deeply flavorful base.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Garlic’s gentle punch will elevate your soup’s flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Step 4: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Cook this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly; this step cooks out the raw flour taste and forms a roux, which is the magic that thickens your soup beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Liquids

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly. This process combines all the flavors and creates the rich, creamy base that makes this recipe so comforting.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Now, add the cooked shredded chicken, the tender wild rice, dried thyme, and parsley to the pot. Stir everything together to blend the flavors. Season the soup with salt and pepper to suit your taste buds. This step brings the heart of the soup together with the perfect harmony of herbs and textures.

Step 7: Let It Simmer

Let your soup gently simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and every bite to be warm and comforting. By now, the rice is tender, and the chicken has soaked up a little extra love from the broth.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is piping hot and flavors are melded perfectly, ladle your soup into bowls. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top to add a fresh, vibrant finish. Now is the time to sit back and savor every satisfying spoonful of your homemade Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and brightness that perfectly complements the creamy, rich soup. For an extra touch, a little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of cream on top can elevate the presentation and taste even more.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with warm crusty bread or herbed cornbread takes it to the next level. A simple leafy green salad can add a refreshing contrast, making your entire meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or cute ceramic mugs for a cozy, inviting feel. You can also sprinkle crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon on top for added texture and flavor bursts, turning this comforting classic into something extraordinary and unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The soup will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making each reheated serving taste even better than the first.

Freezing

You can freeze the Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Just be aware that the cream and milk can sometimes separate when thawed, so give it a good stir or whisk gently as you reheat to bring it back to silky perfection.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid boiling it, which can break the smoothness. Reheat until it’s warmed through and ready to comfort your soul once again.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used as a substitute if you prefer, but it will give a slightly softer texture and milder flavor compared to the nutty bite of wild rice. Adjust cooking time accordingly since brown rice often cooks faster.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Not as written because of the all-purpose flour used for thickening. You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, and it will still thicken beautifully.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and can save you prep time. Just shred it and add it when the recipe calls for cooked chicken.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap the milk and cream for unsweetened coconut milk or another creamy plant-based milk, and use oil or a dairy-free butter substitute instead of butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I make the soup thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, add a bit more flour when creating the roux or let the soup simmer a little longer uncovered to reduce some of the liquid. Be careful not to over-thicken it, as the soup should remain creamy and smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves a hearty, comforting bowl of homemade goodness. Its fragrant herbs, tender chicken, and perfectly chewy wild rice swimming in silky cream will quickly make it a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to dive in yourself—this recipe is pure deliciousness that warms both the stomach and the heart.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.3 from 78 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and a rich creamy broth infused with aromatic vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines wholesome ingredients with a luscious texture, making it ideal for chilly days or anytime you crave a satisfying homemade soup.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the rice: Combine the wild rice with 2 cups of water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the soup base: In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
3. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma.
4. Create the roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and stir thoroughly to coat. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
5. Add the liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
6. Combine ingredients: Add the cooked shredded chicken, cooked wild rice, dried thyme, and dried parsley into the pot. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
7. Simmer the soup: Allow the soup to simmer gently for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it is heated through and the flavors meld beautifully.
8. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor, and shred the meat after cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the flour slightly or reduce the milk.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
• Wild rice can be soaked overnight to reduce cooking time.
• This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American