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Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.4 from 79 reviews

A cozy, filling American soup featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs simmered with nutty wild rice and a medley of sautéed vegetables, all seasoned with dried thyme and served in a wholesome chicken broth base. This dairy-free and gluten-free recipe is perfect for a nutritious family meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings

Ingredients

Protein and Broth

  • lb chicken breasts or thighs
  • 8 cups chicken broth

Vegetables

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced

Grains and Seasonings

  • ¾ cup wild rice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat Olive Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Chicken and Rice: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the pot along with ¾ cup of wild rice.
  4. Pour in Broth and Season: Pour 8 cups of chicken broth into the pot and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and shred them using two forks or your hands, then return the shredded chicken back into the pot.
  7. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as needed. Stir and serve hot, optionally with a splash of cream for richness.

Notes

  • Add a splash of cream or half-and-half to make the soup richer and creamier if desired.
  • This soup freezes well. Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • For a thicker soup, you can simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes to reduce some liquid.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free