Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

There’s just something about a warm, creamy bowl of soup on a chilly day that makes everything feel right in the world. If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and just the right amount of richness, then Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is exactly what you need. This soup is the epitome of cozy—tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a creamy, savory broth that’ll make you want to dive in for seconds (or thirds). It’s the kind of meal that’ll have your family gathered around the table, all smiles, dipping in their spoons for more.

Not only is it easy to make, but this soup is also a great way to use up leftover chicken and make something truly satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and earthy, with the wild rice adding a wonderful texture to each spoonful. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a go-to for colder months, but it’s so delicious you’ll crave it year-round.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Hearty & Filling: This soup is packed with everything you need to feel full and satisfied—a rich, creamy broth, tender chicken, and wild rice that makes every bite hearty and comforting.

One-Pot Wonder: The beauty of this soup is that it all comes together in one pot. Less cleanup, more time to relax!

Quick & Easy: While it’s a rich soup that tastes like you spent hours making it, the truth is—it’s surprisingly quick and simple to prepare.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to your taste. Want more veggies? Throw in some carrots or celery. Craving a bit more spice? A dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes will kick it up a notch!

Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores beautifully, and it gets even better the next day as all the flavors meld together.

Ingredients in Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting bowl of goodness:

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. They’re tender, juicy, and will soak up all the flavors of the soup.

Wild Rice

The star of the soup! Wild rice adds a unique earthy flavor and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy broth.

Carrots

Chopped carrots add a touch of sweetness and color to the soup.

Celery

Adds crunch and freshness—great for texture.

Onion

A classic base ingredient for soups, giving a savory depth of flavor.

Garlic

A couple of cloves of garlic bring a little warmth and fragrance to the soup.

Chicken Broth

The savory liquid base of the soup. You can use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.

Heavy Cream

For that creamy, dreamy consistency we all love in a rich soup.

Butter

For sautéing the vegetables and adding a touch of richness to the soup base.

Flour

Used to make a roux, thickening the soup and giving it that luscious, creamy texture.

Bay Leaves

A couple of bay leaves to add depth of flavor as the soup simmers.

Thyme

Fresh or dried thyme brings an earthy, aromatic note to the soup.

Salt & Pepper

To taste, of course! Adjust these to your preference.

(Note: Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started! Here’s how you make this creamy, comforting soup:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add your chicken breasts (or thighs) and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a tablespoon of butter. Toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Add the flour to the pot, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates the roux that will thicken the soup and give it that smooth, creamy texture. Be sure to cook the flour so it doesn’t taste raw.

Step 4: Add Broth and Rice

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the wild rice, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally.

Step 5: Add the Chicken & Cream

Once the rice is tender, add the shredded chicken back into the pot, followed by the heavy cream. Stir everything together, and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes until the soup is hot and creamy.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Remove the bay leaves and taste the soup. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit more flavor, feel free to add extra thyme or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley or extra thyme if desired, and enjoy this bowl of creamy, comforting goodness. Perfect with a side of warm bread or crackers for dipping!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~350 (varies based on exact ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or a buttery dinner roll is perfect for dunking in the creamy soup.

Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Parmesan adds a nice touch of sharpness and flavor.

Salad: Serve this soup with a light green salad to balance out the richness of the soup.

Crackers: You can’t go wrong with a handful of buttery crackers on the side for crunch!

Additional Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut—just shred it and toss it into the soup.

Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup may not be as thick and creamy.

Add More Veggies: You can sneak in more vegetables like spinach, peas, or corn to boost the nutrition of this dish.

Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?
A1: Yes, you can use white rice, though wild rice has a unique texture and flavor that adds something special. White rice will cook faster, so be sure to adjust the simmer time accordingly.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

Q3: Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
A3: Yes, you can. Sauté the vegetables and cook the chicken beforehand, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q4: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A4: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. It will work just as well in thickening the soup!

Q5: Can I freeze this soup?
A5: Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra liquid if necessary.

Q6: Can I make this soup spicier?
A6: Yes! You can add some crushed red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño for a kick.

Q7: Can I use a different protein?
A7: Yes! You can swap out the chicken for turkey, ham, or even sausage for a fun twist.

Q8: Can I use frozen chicken?
A8: It’s best to thaw the chicken first, but if you must use frozen chicken, cook it directly in the soup base and allow for extra cooking time.

Q9: Can I skip the wild rice?
A9: While wild rice gives the soup its distinct flavor and texture, you can substitute it with another rice or even pasta if you prefer.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate cozy dish for when you need something comforting and satisfying. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a weeknight dinner, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

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