Wild Rice and Chicken Soup

Wild Rice and Chicken Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with tender chunks of chicken and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth. This soup is both nourishing and satisfying, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings, family dinners, or when you want something wholesome yet easy to prepare.

The combination of wild rice, chicken, and aromatic vegetables creates a comforting texture and depth of flavor. The nutty wild rice adds an earthy note, while the tender chicken and vegetables make it filling without being heavy. This soup is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to what you have on hand, yet always delivers a warm, satisfying meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Wild Rice and Chicken Soup because it is hearty, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The wild rice gives the soup a slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and soft vegetables. Every spoonful feels nourishing and wholesome, making it an ideal comfort food.

It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to your taste. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal, this soup never fails to impress.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Combines protein, vegetables, and whole grains for a complete meal.
• Wild rice adds a unique texture and nutty flavor that elevates the soup.
• Simple to make with pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
• Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep.
• Comforting, hearty, and perfect for all ages.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
• Course: Soup / Main
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ cup heavy cream for a creamier version
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives

Cooking Directions

1. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add broth and seasonings: Pour in chicken broth. Add dried thyme, parsley, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Cook wild rice: Stir in wild rice. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 35–40 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed some of the broth.
4. Add chicken: Stir in shredded chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through. For a creamier soup, add heavy cream at this stage and heat gently without boiling.
5. Serve: Remove bay leaf and ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.

Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in chicken broth. Add dried thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Step 3: Cook Wild Rice
Add wild rice to the boiling broth. Reduce heat and simmer for 35–40 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Chicken
Add shredded or diced chicken. Simmer for 5 more minutes until heated through. Optional: stir in heavy cream for a richer soup.

Step 5: Serve
Remove bay leaf and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added freshness and color.

How to Serve

Serve Wild Rice and Chicken Soup:

• As a complete meal in a bowl with warm bread or rolls.
• With a side salad for a lighter lunch option.
• Topped with fresh herbs for visual appeal and flavor enhancement.

Recipe Tips

• Use leftover or rotisserie chicken: Saves time and adds flavor.
• Wild rice alternatives: A wild rice blend can be used for variety, but adjust cooking time as needed.
• Vegetable variations: Add mushrooms, peas, or green beans for extra nutrition.
• Make it creamy: Stir in cream or half-and-half for a richer texture.
• Don’t overcook rice: Wild rice should be tender but slightly chewy for the best texture.

Variations

1. Creamy Wild Rice and Chicken Soup: Add ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamier version.
2. Vegetable-Packed Soup: Include additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans.
3. Herbed Wild Rice Soup: Use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or tarragon for a fragrant twist.
4. Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a mild kick.
5. Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning to taste.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze soup in portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Wild Rice and Chicken Soup is a wholesome, hearty, and comforting meal that is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy night in. Nutritious vegetables, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice combine in a flavorful broth to create a soup that is satisfying, easy to make, and loved by all ages. With its versatility, freezer-friendly nature, and rich flavor, this recipe is a must-have for anyone looking for a nourishing and comforting dish.

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Wild Rice and Chicken Soup

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Soup & Drinks

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 1 hr

Servings: 8 Calories: 250 kcal per serving

Description

Wild Rice and Chicken Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with tender chunks of chicken and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cups ½ cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ cup heavy cream for a creamier version
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

1. Step 1: Sauté Vegetables : Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
2. Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings ; Pour in chicken broth. Add dried thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Step 3: Cook Wild Rice : Add wild rice to the boiling broth. Reduce heat and simmer for 35–40 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Step 4: Incorporate Chicken : Add shredded or diced chicken. Simmer for 5 more minutes until heated through. Optional: stir in heavy cream for a richer soup.
5. Step 5: Serve : Remove bay leaf and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added freshness and color.

Keywords: Wild Rice and Chicken Soup