Description
This chicken and wild rice soup is a hearty and creamy comfort food, featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days or easy make-ahead meals, it offers a satisfying and nourishing experience in every bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
Protein and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
Thickening and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the base: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Continue cooking for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add broth and rice: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the uncooked wild rice blend. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer rice: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let soup simmer for 40 to 45 minutes until the wild rice is tender and cooked through.
- Add chicken: Stir in the cooked, shredded or diced chicken and continue to simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.
- Incorporate dairy: Stir in the milk or half-and-half to add creaminess to the soup.
- Thicken soup (optional): To thicken, whisk the flour with ¼ cup cold water until smooth, then gradually stir it into the soup. Simmer for 5 more minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
- Season: Taste the soup, then season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- Wild rice requires a longer cooking time compared to white rice—ensure you allow the full simmer time for tenderness.
- Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut for cooked chicken.
- For added depth of flavor, adding mushrooms during the sauté step works well.
- The soup will thicken as it cools and sits; simply add extra broth when reheating to adjust consistency.
- This soup freezes well if frozen before adding the milk or cream to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
