Heartwarming Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of chicken and wild rice soup that makes you feel like you’re hugging your grandma while wrapped in a cozy blanket. Imagine the rich, savory aroma wafting through your kitchen as tender chicken mingles with earthy wild rice, and vibrant vegetables dance around the pot. The soothing, creamy broth wraps around each ingredient like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.

This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for those rainy days when you need comfort food the most. My fondest memories are of slurping this delicious concoction after coming in from the cold, cheeks rosy from the brisk air, with my family gathered around the table. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a celebratory occasion, this chicken and wild rice soup is sure to bring warmth and joy to any gathering.

Ingredients for chicken and wild rice soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts give this soup its hearty base; feel free to use thighs for extra flavor.
• Wild Rice Blend: A mix of wild rice and brown rice adds texture; look for pre-cooked options for quicker preparation.
• Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color; choose firm ones for the best crunch.
• Celery: Chopped celery brings freshness; opt for bright green stalks that are crisp.
• Onion: One large onion, diced finely, enhances the flavor profile; yellow onions work wonderfully here.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the dish; about four cloves should do the trick.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; homemade is always best if you have it!
• Cream: Heavy cream adds richness; substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make chicken and wild rice soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by dicing your vegetables and chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will not only speed up cooking time but also ensure every spoonful is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot over medium heat, add some olive oil. Toss in your onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until everything softens—about five minutes—and let those aromas fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Add Chicken

Stir in your chicken pieces along with minced garlic. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink—around six to eight minutes should do it.

Step 4: Combine Rice and Broth

Pour in your chicken broth and add the wild rice blend. Bring everything to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer. Cover it up and let those flavors mingle for about twenty minutes.

Step 5: Add Cream

Once the rice is tender, stir in heavy cream until well combined. For an extra layer of flavor, season with salt and pepper according to taste.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Ladle your soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot! Nothing beats curling up with this comforting bowl of goodness.

Now you’re ready to gather friends or family around as they dive into this delightful chicken and wild rice soup!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until fragrant, then add the chicken to sear. While that’s happening, toss in the wild rice so it can cook alongside everything else. Finally, stir in broth and veggies for a delightful blend of flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out wild rice for brown rice or quinoa. Add your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary, or sneak in some spinach for extra nutrients. Don’t hesitate to spice things up with a pinch of cayenne or a splash of lemon juice!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it soupy and delicious.

It was a cold winter evening when I first made this chicken and wild rice soup for my family. They raved about it so much that I ended up making it every week!

FAQs:

What is chicken and wild rice soup?

Chicken and wild rice soup is a hearty dish made with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a variety of vegetables. It’s often cooked in a creamy broth that enhances its flavors. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients or spices.

How long does it take to make chicken and wild rice soup?

Typically, chicken and wild rice soup takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to prepare. This includes time for chopping vegetables, cooking the chicken, and allowing the flavors to meld together. If you’re using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, you can reduce the cooking time to around 30 minutes.

Can I freeze chicken and wild rice soup?

Yes, you can freeze chicken and wild rice soup. It’s best to let it cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. When reheating, add a little extra liquid since the rice may absorb some of the broth during freezing. This way, your soup will maintain its creamy texture.

What are some variations of chicken and wild rice soup?

You can create various versions of chicken and wild rice soup by adding different vegetables or spices. For example, try incorporating mushrooms for an earthy flavor or spinach for added nutrients. You can also substitute brown rice or quinoa if you prefer alternative grains while keeping the essence of this delicious dish.

Planning your weekly menu? Browse these dinner recipe ideas for more delicious inspiration.

Conclusion for chicken and wild rice soup:

In summary, chicken and wild rice soup is a delightful dish that combines wholesome ingredients into a comforting meal. With its easy preparation time and the ability to customize flavors, this recipe can become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed on a cold day or as part of a cozy dinner gathering, this hearty soup offers warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.

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Cozy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Warm up with this comforting chicken and wild rice soup, brimming with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and vibrant vegetables. It’s the perfect hug in a bowl!

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Ingredients

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• Key Ingredients
• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

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Instructions

1. Instructions
2. 1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the vegetables and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. 2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
4. 3. Add Chicken: Stir in chicken pieces and minced garlic. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes).
5. 4. Combine Rice and Broth: Pour in chicken broth and add the wild rice blend. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and let flavors meld for about 20 minutes.
6. 5. Add Cream: Once the rice is tender, stir in heavy cream until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. 6. Serve Warm: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 90mg