If you are craving a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe. This creamy and comforting chicken soup combines tender shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and a vibrant medley of vegetables simmered to perfection in savory chicken broth. Every spoonful offers a delightful texture and deep flavor that makes it ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or whenever you need a satisfying, soul-soothing meal. It’s simple to prepare yet impressively rich, proving just how heartwarming homemade soup can be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden tray with ten small white bowls and a glass measuring cup filled with brown liquid at the bottom left corner. The bowls hold different ingredients placed neatly in a grid: diced orange carrots, shredded light brown meat, sliced brown mushrooms, chopped pale green celery, a white ingredient that looks like small cubes, a bowl of dark mixed grains, flour, and a glass bowl with clear liquid. A carton of unsweetened almond milk lies flat at the bottom right. The wooden tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe calls for straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a crucial role: the wild rice adds an earthy chewiness, the fresh vegetables bring color and nutrition, and the creamy broth ties everything into a lush, comforting experience.

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here to save you time without sacrificing flavor.
1/2 cup wild rice: Adds an exquisite nutty taste and a toothsome texture that sets this soup apart.
1 onion, chopped: Builds a fragrant, savory foundation for the broth.
2 carrots, sliced: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the soup.
2 celery stalks, sliced: Offers a subtle aromatic crunch that balances the creaminess.
4 cups chicken broth: The soulful liquid that binds all the flavors harmoniously.
1 cup milk or cream: Creates that signature creamy texture and enriches the soup.
1 teaspoon thyme: A classic herb that infuses a wonderful earthy aroma.
Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.

How to Make Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Begin by combining the wild rice, chicken broth, chopped onions, sliced carrots, and celery in a large pot over medium heat. Let it simmer gently for about 25 minutes. This slow simmer softens the vegetables and allows the rice to cook through, releasing its nutty flavor into the broth to create a complex, hearty base for your soup.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Dairy

Once the rice and vegetables are tender, stir in the shredded cooked chicken, milk or cream, and thyme. The creaminess softens the whole pot, wrapping each ingredient in a luscious texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting until the soup reaches your perfect balance of savory and fragrant flavors.

Step 3: Final Simmer and Serve

Let the soup gently simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors together fully and warm through the chicken. This last step ensures every spoonful delivers consistent warmth and richness. Serve the soup while it’s piping hot to enjoy its full comforting effect.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

A black ladle holds a thick soup above a pot filled with the same soup, showing one scoop with layers of ingredients: light creamy broth, orange carrot chunks, green leafy pieces, thin slices of mushrooms, translucent onions, and small bits of light-colored shredded chicken, all mixed evenly. The soup in the pot below shows a golden-yellow broth with sliced mushrooms and scattered green herbs, creating a warm and rich texture. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider topping your soup with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor and color. A swirl of heavy cream or a dash of cracked black pepper can also brighten each bowl beautifully, making it feel just a bit more special.

Side Dishes

Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every drop of creamy goodness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, balancing the warmth and richness of the soup on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in rustic bread bowls for an inviting presentation that doubles as an edible container. Alternatively, ladle it into elegant mugs or petite bowls for a cozy yet chic meal experience, perfect for casual family dinners or intimate gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop when chilled, making leftovers even more delicious. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the creamy texture.

Freezing

This Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe freezes beautifully if you omit the cream before freezing. Freeze the soup in portioned containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove while stirring in fresh cream to restore that silky richness.

Reheating

Reheat your soup slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or cream during reheating helps revive the creamy texture that can sometimes settle during storage. Avoid boiling once the dairy is added to keep the soup smooth and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works as a tasty alternative, but it may require a slightly longer cooking time and will give a different, milder flavor and softer texture compared to wild rice.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a comforting option for those avoiding gluten. Just be sure your chicken broth does not contain any gluten additives.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the chicken and broth with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and use vegetable broth. The wild rice and creamy base will still deliver plenty of satisfying flavor.

What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken?

A quick and easy method is to use two forks to pull cooked chicken apart, or simply use your hands once cool enough. Using rotisserie chicken simplifies this step and is perfect for a quick meal.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to toss in your favorite seasonal vegetables, such as peas, corn, or diced potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the vegetables you add.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is truly a keeper—simple enough for a weeknight but deliciously rich enough to become a family favorite. Its comforting, creamy goodness will make your kitchen smell irresistible and your heart feel warm. Don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy every spoonful of this cozy classic that brings wholesome ingredients to life in the most satisfying way.

Alice

Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe