If you’re searching for a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautifully hearty and flavorful soup, blending tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and savory vegetables in a rich, soothing broth. Each spoonful offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy afternoons. Plus, it’s much easier to make than you might think, turning simple ingredients into a spectacular dish you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe. Each item is straightforward yet essential, playing a crucial role in building the soup’s comforting taste, vibrant texture, and inviting aroma.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing the vegetables and infuses the soup with a subtle richness.
- Onion: Provides a savory foundation and natural sweetness when cooked down.
- Carrots: Offer color and a slight sweetness that complements the herbs.
- Celery stalks: Bring a mild, aromatic crunch that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Garlic: Gives a punch of depth and warmth.
- Wild rice: This nutty, chewy grain adds heartiness and a rustic texture that elevates the soup.
- Chicken broth: The savory, liquid backbone that ties everything together.
- Cooked chicken: Tender and protein-packed, it makes this soup a complete meal.
- Dried thyme: Offers an earthy herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- Dried rosemary: Adds fragrant pine-like aromas, enhancing the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for balance and depth.
- Heavy cream or milk (optional): Introduces a creamy texture and luxurious finish if you prefer a richer soup.
- Fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Begin by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they soften and start releasing their sweet aromas, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant – this creates a flavorful base that ties every element together in the soup.
Step 2: Add Rice and Broth
Next, stir in the rinsed wild rice, coating it well with the aromatic vegetable mixture. Pour the chicken broth over everything, increase the heat until the soup reaches a gentle boil, and then lower it to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for around 40 to 45 minutes while the wild rice slowly softens, absorbing all those comforting flavors.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings
Once the rice is tender, stir in your cooked chicken along with the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This stage layers in the hearty chicken protein and fresh herbal notes that make the soup truly memorable. If you want a creamier consistency, now is the perfect moment to add the heavy cream or milk. Let it simmer gently for another 5 to 10 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley on top for that final touch of brightness and visual appeal. Serve it steaming hot alongside some crusty bread for dipping, and get ready to enjoy a soul-warming bowlful.
How to Serve Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for a pop of color—it lends herbal freshness that complements the creamy and savory flavors. For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few croutons can add texture and richness without overwhelming the natural simplicity of the soup.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread, warm dinner rolls, or a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. Any of these options will round out your meal in a satisfying way without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or colorful bowls that highlight the rich hues of the vegetables and herbs. Garnishing with a few fresh herb sprigs or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate the presentation and make your guests feel truly spoiled.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect option for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This soup freezes very well, so if you want to save portions for busy days ahead, transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind the texture of wild rice may slightly change, but the flavors will remain wonderfully intact.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. This will help revive its luscious, comforting consistency without losing any of that classic flavor you love.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! While wild rice adds a distinct nutty flavor and chewy texture, brown rice will work well as a nutritious substitute. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.
Is this soup suitable for freezing with the cream added?
It’s best to freeze the soup before adding the cream. Dairy can separate when frozen and thawed. Simply add the cream when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this soup with leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds wonderful flavor and saves time. Just shred or dice the chicken and add it at the same step in the recipe.
How do I make the soup less creamy or dairy-free?
Simply skip the heavy cream or milk altogether. The soup is delicious and rich on its own thanks to the hearty broth and vegetables. For a dairy-free creamy option, you can try coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
What herbs pair best with Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe?
Dried thyme and rosemary are classic choices that bring earthy, fragrant notes. Fresh parsley as a garnish adds a vibrant finish. You could also experiment with sage or marjoram for a slightly different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe is the kind of comforting classic that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something nourishing and delicious, this soup delivers every time. Give it a try and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes!
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 hearty and comforting Chicken & Wild Rice Soup featuring tender shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of sautéed vegetables in a flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy meal.
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 minced 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: Incorporate the shredded or diced cooked chicken into the pot. Add dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream or milk. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes to combine flavors and heat thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread on the side for dipping and added comfort.
Notes
- For a lighter version, omit the heavy cream or milk.
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so ensure it is tender before serving.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially if your chicken broth is salted.
- For a richer flavor, sauté the rice with the vegetables for a couple of minutes before adding broth.
