Name: Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk or cream; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Thyme, to taste

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If you are craving a bowl of pure comfort that warms you from the inside out, look no further than this Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe. It is a soul-soothing blend of tender cooked chicken, nutty wild rice, and a creamy broth enriched with fresh vegetables like carrots and celery. This soup is not only packed with flavor but also has a wonderful texture contrast between the soft chicken and the chewy rice, making it an ideal meal to cozy up with on a chilly day. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or as a satisfying lunch, this hearty soup will soon become your go-to classic to chase away the cold season blues.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a baking tray filled with nine small white bowls arranged in a grid, each containing different ingredients: sliced brown mushrooms, rosemary sprigs with garlic cloves, round orange carrot slices, diced green celery, shredded cooked chicken, a mix of wild and white rice, a white powdery flour, cubed white marshmallows, and a small amount of clear liquid in one bowl. Below the tray, there is a large clear measuring cup filled with light brown broth and a carton of half-and-half cream placed on a white marbled surface. The colors range from warm oranges and browns to light greens and whites with clear textures of vegetables, meat, and liquids visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creating a delicious balance that tastes both comforting and fresh.

1 pound cooked chicken, shredded: Using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie, saves time and ensures tender, juicy meat throughout the soup.
1 cup uncooked wild rice blend: Adds a chewy texture and earthy flavor that distinguishes this soup from more ordinary chicken soups.
1 onion, diced: Provides a savory base and sweetness once sautéed, essential for depth in the broth.
2 carrots, sliced: Bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
2 celery stalks, sliced: Add a mild herbaceous crunch that rounds out the vegetable flavors.
4 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup that carries all flavors together, using a quality broth enhances taste immensely.
1 cup milk or cream: Adds a luscious creaminess that balances the earthy rice and savory chicken.
2 tablespoons butter: Used to sauté the veggies, butter enriches the flavor and lends a smooth finish.
Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste: These simple seasonings elevate every ingredient without overpowering the natural flavors.

How to Make Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and aromatic, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops the foundational flavor and softens the vegetables for a perfect texture in the finished soup.

Step 2: Cook the Wild Rice

Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the wild rice blend. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. During this time, the wild rice absorbs the savory broth and cooks until it is tender but still pleasantly chewy. Keep an eye on it to avoid the rice sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Cream

Once the rice is perfectly cooked, stir in the shredded cooked chicken along with the milk or cream. The creaminess will meld everything together, creating a rich and hearty soup base. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme according to your taste preferences. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to combine beautifully.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

A close-up of a black ladle filled with creamy soup lifted above a pot, showing a mix of layers inside: small orange carrot cubes, dark green chopped leafy veggies, thin pale chicken pieces, brown sliced mushrooms, and some black grains, all floating in a creamy light beige broth. The pot underneath is filled with the same soup with visible mushroom slices and green herbs, all on a white marbled surface. The scene is warm and homey, with soft lighting highlighting the textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple but effective finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves on top. If you love a little zing, a dash of cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the soup just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty soup with a crusty artisan bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. A crisp green salad or some roasted root vegetables also make a lovely side that complements the soup’s warmth and richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls or mugs for an inviting, homey feel. You can also offer toppings like shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits on the side for guests to customize their bowls. For a unique twist, ladle the soup into hollowed-out small pumpkins or sourdough bread bowls during seasonal gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen with time, making leftovers equally delightful.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, especially if you omit the milk or cream before freezing. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and add cream fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or cream if the soup has thickened too much or tastes less creamy after storage. Avoid boiling to keep the chicken tender and prevent the dairy from curdling.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice blend?

Absolutely! Brown rice will work well, though it has a softer texture and milder flavor compared to wild rice. Just adjust the cooking time as brown rice usually takes about the same or a bit longer to cook.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free chicken broth. Always check labels if you have sensitivities.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken broth for a vegetable broth and omit the chicken, or replace it with hearty mushrooms or tofu for a satisfying vegetarian option.

What’s the best way to shred chicken?

The easiest way to shred cooked chicken is to use two forks, pulling the meat apart gently. You can also pulse it briefly in a food processor for a finely shredded texture.

Why add cream or milk at the end?

Adding cream or milk at the end enriches the soup with a smooth, velvety texture and balances the earthy rice and savory chicken. Adding it too early can cause curdling or a separated broth.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is a beloved comfort food, perfect for bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table. Its blend of tender chicken, nutritious wild rice, and rich broth hits every note of a nourishing meal. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this soup — it’s simple, rewarding, and perfect for sharing with family and friends on any day you crave a little extra comfort.