This Chicken Wild Rice Soup is warm, hearty, and full of flavor! It features tender chicken, wild rice, and fresh veggies, making it perfect for a cozy meal.
One sip of this soup and you’ll feel like a warm hug! I love serving it with crusty bread. Trust me, you won’t want to stop slurping! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wild Rice: This is the star of the dish. If you can’t find wild rice, a mix of brown rice and white rice can work in a pinch. Just be aware it will change the flavor a bit.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium broth is best to control salt levels. If you’re short on broth, water with some seasoning cubes is a quick alternative!
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut! It’s already seasoned and saves time. You can also use leftover turkey if it’s the season.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is wonderful for its bright flavor, but dried thyme is fine too. Use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
Milk: I love using half-and-half for extra creaminess, but you can swap in any milk you have. For a non-dairy option, try coconut milk or almond milk, but the flavor may differ slightly.
How Do You Cook Wild Rice to Perfection?
Cooking wild rice can be tricky! Here’s how to ensure it’s just right:
- Rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- Use a ratio of about 1 cup of wild rice to 4 cups of water or broth. This helps it cook fully.
- Bring the broth to a boil first before adding your wild rice, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. If there’s still water left after the time, simply drain it off.
Perfectly cooked wild rice should be tender with a slight chew. It adds that unique texture to your soup!
How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Wild Rice Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and roughly 1 hour of cooking time. You’ll spend a little time sautéing the veggies, simmering the wild rice, and letting everything come together for a warming, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Thyme:
Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This will bring out the amazing flavors!
3. Combine with Rice and Broth:
Add the rinsed wild rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
4. Make it Creamy:
In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the milk until it’s smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup while stirring constantly. This will help prevent lumps and give the soup a beautiful creamy texture.
5. Add the Chicken:
Now, add the cooked chicken into the soup. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly and is warmed through.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste! Feel free to adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Taste testing is always the best part!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy this delicious, comforting soup with a slice of bread or on its own. Perfect for those chilly days!
This creamy, hearty soup packed with chicken, wild rice, and savory veggies is delightfully satisfying and makes amazing leftovers too! Enjoy every spoonful! 😊
Can I Use Instant Wild Rice Instead?
Yes, you can use instant wild rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Typically, instant wild rice cooks in about 10-15 minutes, so add it to the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this soup gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry before adding it to the soup to thicken.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It should stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a bit of acidity. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also brighten it up right before serving!
