Name: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded; 1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp rosemary; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup milk, half-and-half, or cream; 2 tbsp flour (for thickening, optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is the answer. It is a wholesome bowl of tender shredded chicken, tender wild rice, and garden-fresh vegetables swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. Something about the hearty texture combined with the soothing warmth makes it ideal for chilly nights, cozy family meals, or whenever your soul demands a little extra love. Once you taste this classic soup done right, it quickly becomes a go-to, forever favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of several small white bowls placed on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a bowl filled with shredded cooked chicken, light beige in color. Surrounding it are bowls containing diced orange carrots, chopped light green celery, and chopped white onions. Additional smaller bowls hold cubed pale yellow butter, black rice, white flour, minced garlic and ginger, and two whole black peppercorns. There is also a small jar with white granulated salt. At the bottom, a clear container holds light yellow chicken broth, and next to it is a measuring cup filled with white milk. A woman's hand is visible gently touching the rim of one of the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together harmoniously to create complex flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s adding earthiness, sweetness, creaminess, or a subtle herbal note that elevates every spoonful.

1 tbsp olive oil or butter: Provides a flavorful base and helps soften the aromatics.
1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth as it sautés.
2 carrots, sliced: Brings a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
2 celery stalks, sliced: Contributes a subtle savory crunch and balances the sweetness.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic punch.
1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded: The star protein that makes this soup nourishing and filling.
1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked: Adds a lovely chewy texture and nutty flavor.
6 cups chicken broth: Forms the hearty, flavorful soup base.
1 tsp thyme: Brings earthy herbal notes that complement the chicken.
1 tsp rosemary: Adds a fragrant pine-like aroma for extra depth.
1 bay leaf: Subtly enhances the overall flavor with warm undertones.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Optional Creamy Finish: 1 cup milk, half-and-half, or cream plus 2 tbsp flour for thickening, for an indulgently creamy texture.

How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the vegetables

Start by warming your olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté them gently for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This forms the flavorful foundation of the soup.

Step 2: Add wild rice and broth with herbs

Next, pour in the uncooked wild rice blend along with the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring this hearty mixture to a boil, filling your kitchen with incredible aromatics that hint at the cozy meal ahead.

Step 3: Simmer until rice is tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 40 to 45 minutes. This slow cooking allows the wild rice to soften perfectly while all the flavors marry together beautifully, producing a soup base that is both rich and comforting.

Step 4: Stir in shredded chicken

When the rice is tender, stir in your cooked and shredded chicken. The chicken instantly warms through, soaking up the flavors of the broth, making each spoonful hearty and protein-packed.

Step 5: Optional creamy finish

If you’re craving a luscious, creamy soup, whisk the cream or milk with the flour separately until smooth, then stir this into the soup. Let it simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly, turning it into the ultimate comfort food.

Step 6: Final touches and serve

Remove the bay leaf, adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed, and your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is ready to serve. Ladle into bowls for an inviting meal that warms both body and soul.

How to Serve Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

A close-up shot of a thick creamy soup inside a large white cast iron pot with a blue handle, filled with small chunks of orange carrots, green celery, and bits of dark wild rice. Fresh green herbs like rosemary and thyme are sprinkled on top, adding texture and color. A wooden spoon with a long handle rests inside the pot, partially submerged in the soup. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your soup presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or even a few crispy bacon bits. These little touches add freshness, umami, or crunch, making every bowl feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple mixed green salad to round out the meal. The soft bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth, while a crisp salad adds a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls. This presentation makes your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe perfect for festive occasions or cozy dinners where a little extra flair is appreciated.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Keep in mind, the soup may thicken slightly upon thawing due to the wild rice; simply add broth or water to loosen it.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back the perfect comforting consistency.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice can be substituted for wild rice, but the texture and cooking time will be slightly different. Brown rice typically requires a bit less cooking time and is a bit softer, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Is this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free if you skip the optional flour or use a gluten-free thickener. The wild rice blend and all the other ingredients contain no gluten, making it a safe and delicious choice.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Definitely! You can use coconut milk or any other plant-based milk as a creamy alternative. Just swap it in the same quantity for the cream or milk to keep that rich texture without dairy.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this soup?

Using pre-cooked shredded chicken like rotisserie chicken is a great timesaver. Alternatively, poach or bake boneless chicken breasts or thighs, then shred them by hand or with forks before adding to the soup.

Will the soup thicken after refrigeration?

Yes, the wild rice and any thickener will cause the soup to thicken once refrigerated or frozen. To restore the perfect soup consistency, simply add a little broth or water when reheating and stir well.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is truly a heartwarming classic that’s easy to love and even easier to make. It’s the kind of meal that nourishes your body during cold days and satisfies your craving for something wholesome and tasty. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes one of those recipes you joyfully make again and again, sharing that cozy comfort with friends and family.