The aroma of chicken wild rice soup wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug on a cold day. With each spoonful, the creamy broth dances with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and vibrant vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that sings comfort in every bite.
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings families together. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a cozy gathering with friends, this chicken wild rice soup is perfect for making memories and warming souls.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful chicken wild rice soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of savory herbs and fresh vegetables
- Its creamy texture and colorful presentation will impress everyone at your dinner table
- Versatile enough to serve as a hearty main dish or a comforting starter for any occasion
One evening, my family gathered around the table, eagerly waiting for this chicken wild rice soup to finish cooking. The smiles and compliments were endless, proving that food truly brings people closer.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Wild Rice: Look for a mix of wild rice and brown rice for added texture and flavor.
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Carrots: Fresh, vibrant carrots not only add sweetness but also brighten up the soup visually.
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Celery: Choose crisp celery stalks to contribute that satisfying crunch and refreshing taste.
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Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sauté until translucent for the best flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring aromatic goodness; use at least three cloves for full effect.
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Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness in your dish.
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Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the soup; don’t skip it if you want that creamy finish!
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Dried Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs infuse wonderful fragrance; they’re essential for flavoring your soup perfectly.
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Pepper and Salt: Use freshly cracked pepper for heat; adjust salt according to taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping all your veggies into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic to unleash its aromatic power. Set everything aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Add onions and garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent—about 3-5 minutes.
Add Chicken and Veggies: Toss in diced chicken breasts along with carrots, celery, and thyme. Stir everything together until the chicken turns white—this takes about 5 minutes.
Pour in Broth and Rice: Add 6 cups of chicken broth along with your rinsed wild rice. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer.
Cream It Up!: After about 45 minutes or once the rice is tender, stir in heavy cream. Allow it to heat through while stirring gently—this will take another 5 minutes.
Season and Serve!: Taste your masterpiece! Adjust with salt and freshly cracked pepper as desired before serving hot in bowls garnished with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
Enjoying this comforting bowl of chicken wild rice soup will warm your heart while filling your belly!
You Must Know
- This comforting chicken wild rice soup is not only hearty but also a great way to use leftovers
- The rich aroma fills the kitchen, enticing everyone for dinner
- With a few simple ingredients, you can create a cozy meal that warms both the heart and stomach
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the vegetables until they’re soft, then add the chicken and broth for maximum flavor extraction. Simmer until the rice is tender and everything melds beautifully together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out wild rice for brown rice or add extra veggies like spinach or kale for added nutrition. Spice it up with some cayenne if you like it hot.
Storing & Reheating
Store your chicken wild rice soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To maximize flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought – it makes a world of difference
- Always season your soup as you go to build layers of taste
- Don’t forget to let it cool before refrigerating to maintain its quality
The first time I made chicken wild rice soup, my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely got a taste! Their enthusiastic feedback encouraged me to perfect my recipe over time.
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works wonderfully in this recipe.
How do I thicken my chicken wild rice soup?
You can add a cornstarch slurry or reduce it by simmering longer.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well; just make sure to store it in freezer-safe containers.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Chicken wild rice soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for cold days or cozy gatherings. This creamy soup combines tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and vibrant vegetables in a flavorful broth, creating a meal that warms both the body and soul. With minimal effort, you can enjoy this delightful recipe that brings family and friends together.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces; dice onion finely and mince garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add onions and garlic; sauté until translucent (3-5 minutes).
- Add diced chicken, carrots, celery, and thyme; stir until chicken is white (about 5 minutes).
- Pour in chicken broth and rinsed wild rice. Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat to simmer.
- After about 45 minutes or when the rice is tender, mix in heavy cream and heat through for another 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg