Print

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Print Recipe

Hearty and comforting Chicken and Wild Rice Soup combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a creamy broth. This nourishing, soul-soothing soup is perfect for a quick lunch or cozy dinner, offering rich flavors, satisfying textures, and easy customization. Ideal for meal prep, it delivers warmth and nutrition in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Grains

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 tsp fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Rinse the wild rice under cold water. Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the soup.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop a rich aromatic base.
  3. Add Chicken and Rice: Stir in the cubed chicken and wild rice, allowing the chicken to brown lightly and the rice to toast slightly for enhanced nuttiness before adding liquids.
  4. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add the chicken broth to the pot, bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 40-45 minutes.
  5. Stir in Cream and Seasonings: Once the rice and chicken are tender, slowly add heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • Toast the wild rice first to enhance its nutty flavor and add depth.
  • Do not overcook the wild rice; it should be tender but slightly chewy to avoid mushiness.
  • Use homemade chicken broth if possible for richer flavor.
  • Adjust creaminess to taste by starting with less cream and adding more as needed.
  • Add fresh herbs last to preserve their bright flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, wild rice soup, creamy chicken soup, hearty soup, gluten free soup, one pot soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/chicken-and-wild-rice-soup/