Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings together the goodness of chicken, rice, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a little extra comfort.
Why Make This Recipe
This soup is not just delicious; it’s also nutritious and filling. The combination of chicken, wild rice, and veggies makes it a well-rounded meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken or make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. Making your own soup allows you to control the ingredients and tailor it to your taste!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium carrots (finely chopped, ~1 cup chopped carrots)
- 2 ribs celery (finely chopped)
- 1 shallot or small yellow onion (chopped)
- Salt and pepper
- 3 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups chicken stock or broth (plus more for reheating)
- 1 lb chicken breasts (about 2 chicken breasts, sliced in half)
- 1 cup wild blend rice (see notes)
- 1/2 cup butter (or vegan butter)
- 1/2 cup gluten free flour blend (see notes)
- 2 cups milk (any kind)
Directions
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Sauté Veggies
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, and shallots or onions. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes. For quicker softening, you can cover with a lid and add a splash of stock or water. Add garlic, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme, then sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. -
Cook Chicken
Pour the chicken stock or broth into the pot. Increase the heat to high, cover, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the chicken breast halves, cover again, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, chop or shred it, and refrigerate until ready to use. -
Cook Rice
Add the wild rice to the pot and stir. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the rice is al dente, stirring occasionally. -
Cook Sauce
While the rice simmers, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the gluten free flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Switch to a spatula and stir until the mixture thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. -
Thicken Soup
Once the rice is ready, slowly add the butter/flour/milk mixture to the soup while whisking. Stir in the chopped chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens and the rice is tender. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can enjoy it with bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if it gets too thick.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
- For a quicker meal, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the raw chicken.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less milk.
- You can add in other vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can make this soup with different types of rice like brown or white rice, though the cooking time may vary. You could also swap out chicken for turkey or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! However, it may become thicker when thawed. Add more liquid when reheating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour blend and ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What kind of milk can I use?
You can use any type of milk such as whole, skim, almond, or coconut milk depending on your preference.