Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. If you’re tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or uninspired soups, this recipe delivers a satisfying, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

At dishfoody.com, recipes are designed to bring joy and ease to your cooking experience. This article will cover why this recipe works, meat selection, ingredients and prep, step-by-step cooking instructions, pro tips, flavor variations, serving suggestions, and FAQs.

Why This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find cuts of meat for great flavor
• Marinate in 15 minutes for maximum tenderness and taste
• Ideal for weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners, balancing simplicity and richness

Choosing the Right Meat for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Best Cuts for This Recipe

Boneless skinless chicken breasts offer lean protein and cook evenly, while chicken thighs add juicy richness for a deeper flavor.

Buying Tips

Select fresh chicken with a pink hue and firm texture. Choose authentic wild rice for best results in flavor and texture.

Substitutions

Swap chicken for turkey or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Ingredients & Prep for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Meat Prep Essentials

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
• Salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder

Soup Ingredients

• ¾ cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1-2 bay leaves
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Pre-Cooking Prep

Rinse wild rice carefully to remove excess starch. Chop vegetables finely and season chicken cubes lightly.

Cooking Method

1. Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, and carrots until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add garlic; cook another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in wild rice and coat with veggies.
4. Add chicken broth, chicken cubes, thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook 40-50 minutes until rice and chicken are tender.
6. Stir in cream or milk, warming through without boiling. Remove bay leaves.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Doneness Check

Chicken should be cooked to 165°F internally; wild rice tender yet with a slight bite.

Resting

Let soup rest 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Use low sodium broth for better control over saltiness.
• Don’t skip rinsing wild rice to avoid clumping.
• Add cream off heat to maintain a velvety texture.

Flavor Variations for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Spicy Twist

Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

Keto/Paleo

Use cauliflower rice instead of wild rice and coconut milk for creaminess.

Global Flavors

• French: Add white wine and fresh tarragon.
• Mediterranean: Include olives and lemon zest.
• Asian: Infuse broth with ginger and lemongrass.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, grilled asparagus, or fresh salad.

FAQs for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, thaw fully before cooking.
• How to thicken thin soup? Simmer uncovered or add a flour or cornstarch slurry.
• Is this safe for pregnant women? Yes, with properly cooked ingredients.

Conclusion

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a satisfying, flavorful classic that’s easy to make and comforting for the whole family. Discover more cozy recipes at dishfoody.com and try our Cozy Butternut Squash Soup With Ghostly Grilled Cheese next!

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Print Recipe

This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, creamy bowl filled with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and aromatic vegetables the perfect cozy meal for fall and winter.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup, Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
• 2. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
• 3. Stir in wild rice, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
• 4. Return chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
• 5. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the soup.
• 6. In a small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk or cream until thickened.
• 7. Add the creamy mixture to the soup and stir well.
• 8. Simmer another 5–10 minutes until the soup thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream.
• You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• This soup freezes well — store in portions and reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy dinner, fall recipe