There’s something downright magical about a steaming bowl of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup. Creamy, cozy, and bursting with flavor, this dish layers up tender bites of chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all swirling together in a savory broth you’ll want to sip right to the last drop. Whether you’re warding off chilly weather or just craving serious comfort food, Chicken & Wild Rice Soup steps up as a dependable favorite—one that’s simple enough for a weeknight supper yet special enough to serve friends on a Sunday.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this soup is how it leans on classic, wholesome ingredients that each play a role—from lending savory depth to adding bursts of color. Grab these pantry and fridge staples, and you’ll be on your way to a soul-warming pot of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup.
- Olive oil: Kicks things off with a rich, smooth base for sautéing your veggies.
- Onion (diced): Sweetens the soup and helps build a deeply savory foundation.
- Carrots (peeled and sliced): Add lovely color and a subtle natural sweetness.
- Celery (sliced): Offers a refreshing crunch and delicate herbal note.
- Garlic (minced): Brings irresistible flavor and that classic aromatic backbone.
- Dried thyme: Adds a softly earthy, floral hint that brightens the whole bowl.
- Dried rosemary: Gives a woodsy, piney depth—just a teaspoon does wonders.
- Black pepper: Balances the creaminess and awakens the herbs.
- Salt: Essential for pulling all those flavors together and making them sing.
- Uncooked wild rice blend (rinsed): The star of the show, wild rice adds nutty flavor and chewy texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup light yet flavorful, letting you control the saltiness.
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast: Toss in leftovers or rotisserie chicken for quick heartiness.
- Whole milk or half-and-half: Makes the soup deliciously creamy (feel free to go richer with heavy cream).
- All-purpose flour: Thickens things up, so every spoonful tastes luscious and velvety.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky roux.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on just before serving for a bright, garden-fresh finish.
How to Make Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot (nothing fancy—just spacious enough for a bountiful soup). Add your diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté them for 5 to 6 minutes until they’re soft and just starting to take on a little color. This is where the foundation of your Chicken & Wild Rice Soup gets its richness and subtle sweetness.
Step 2: Layer in Flavor
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for about a minute, just until fragrant. This quick step unlocks a world of flavor as the herbs bloom and the garlic mellows, making the whole kitchen smell incredible.
Step 3: Simmer the Wild Rice
Add the rinsed wild rice blend and pour in the chicken broth. Give it a good stir, increase the heat, and bring your bubbling pot to a gentle boil. Once it’s up to temperature, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 45 to 50 minutes. The wild rice will soak up the broth, becoming beautifully chewy and nutty, and the flavors will meld together.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Roux
While the rice cooks, get a small saucepan over medium heat and melt your butter. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste, and let it cook for a minute or two. This step removes the raw flour taste and develops nutty depth. Slowly drizzle in the milk or half-and-half, whisking until smooth, and cook until it thickens slightly into a luscious roux.
Step 5: Finish the Soup
Pour the thickened roux and the shredded chicken into your pot of simmered veggies and rice. Stir everything well, then let the soup simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes so it can come together into creamy perfection. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed, then take your pot off the heat, ready for serving.
How to Serve Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Garnishes
This soup just begs for a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving. The vibrant green gives a burst of freshness against the creamy background—and if you like, crack a bit of extra black pepper on top or drizzle a swirl of good olive oil for a touch of glossy sheen.
Side Dishes
Chicken & Wild Rice Soup shines brightest with a warm, crusty baguette, chewy sourdough, or a handful of buttery crackers. If you’re after something lighter, a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette pairs perfectly, keeping the meal balanced from first spoonful to last.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not ladle your soup into big mugs for a fireside meal, or serve it inside hollowed-out bread bowls for a bit of diner-style nostalgia? For family gatherings, put out an array of toppings—think extra parsley, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan—so everyone can customize their own bowl of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled Chicken & Wild Rice Soup into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. The soup will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick weeknight dinners. You’ll notice the soup thickens as it sits—simply stir in a splash of broth or water to bring it back to life.
Freezing
Thinking of prepping ahead? This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little space for expansion). It’ll keep for up to three months—simply thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer your Chicken & Wild Rice Soup to a pot and warm it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s a bit too thick, add extra broth or milk until you reach your ideal consistency. You can also microwave individual bowls in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds wonderful depth. Shred or chop the meat and simply add it at the end with the roux, just as you would with cooked chicken breast.
Is it possible to make Chicken & Wild Rice Soup dairy-free?
Definitely. Swap the milk or half-and-half for your favorite unsweetened non-dairy alternative (like oat or almond milk), and use a neutral oil instead of butter for the roux. The soup will still be hearty and delicious.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can safely serve this to anyone with dietary restrictions.
What if my soup is too thick?
Chicken & Wild Rice Soup does thicken as it sits; if it seems too dense, simply stir in more chicken broth or milk while reheating to loosen it up to your desired texture.
Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of wild rice?
You can, though it will change the texture and flavor profile. Wild rice has a distinct nutty chewiness that’s hard to substitute, but brown rice is a fine stand-in if that’s what you have on hand—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soul-soothing classic to keep in your back pocket, look no further than Chicken & Wild Rice Soup. It’s nourishing, comforting, and endlessly adaptable—a soup that feels like a big, warm hug. Treat yourself (and loved ones) to a potful, and you’ll soon see why it’s a favorite in so many kitchens.
