Cozy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

When the frost bites and the world turns chilly, nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup. Picture this: tender chicken mingling with earthy wild rice, all swimming in a creamy broth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. The aroma wafts through the air, beckoning you to come closer and savor every delightful spoonful.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for those lazy Sundays or when you need a pick-me-up after a long day. I remember making this soup for my family on one particularly blustery evening when everyone was feeling under the weather. The moment they took their first sip, their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning. That’s the magic of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup—it not only nourishes but also brings people together around the table.

I distinctly remember my niece’s face lighting up when she tasted this soup for the first time; she declared it “the best thing ever!” It’s moments like these that make cooking worthwhile.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well here; adjust according to your crowd size.

• Wild Rice: Use quality wild rice for its nutty flavor and chewy texture; it’s truly worth it!

• Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

• Celery: Crisp celery enhances the soup’s overall texture; aim for fresh stalks for maximum crunch.

• Onion: A sweet onion forms the base of flavor; sauté until translucent for that aromatic goodness.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings depth; use minced cloves to infuse each bowl with robust flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness while keeping things savory.

• Cream: Add cream at the end for richness; half-and-half can work if you want something lighter.

• Dried Thyme: A staple herb in soups, thyme adds an earthy aroma that complements the chicken beautifully.

• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is key; adjust according to taste before serving.

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

How to Make Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Start by preparing your ingredients: Gather everything on your countertop so you’re ready to go. It makes the cooking process much smoother.

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until they soften and become fragrant—about 5-7 minutes should do it.

Add Garlic and Chicken: Toss in minced garlic and diced chicken breasts next. Sauté until the chicken turns golden brown on all sides—this step locks in flavorful juices.

Add Broth and Rice: Pour in low-sodium chicken broth along with rinsed wild rice. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer gently for about 45 minutes or until rice is tender.

Create Creaminess: Once cooked, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half along with dried thyme. Let simmer another 10 minutes while savoring those heavenly aromas filling your kitchen.

Seasoning Perfection: Finally, taste your soup! Adjust salt and pepper as necessary before ladling into warm bowls ready to serve.

Now you’re set! Enjoy that comforting Chicken & Wild Rice Soup that’s sure to wrap you in warmth and happiness.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots for rich flavor. Add chicken next, and let it brown slightly before introducing the broth. This sequence enhances depth, ensuring your Chicken & Wild Rice Soup has that wow factor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out wild rice for brown rice if you’re in a pinch. Toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added freshness. You can even add kale or spinach for extra nutrition and color in your Chicken & Wild Rice Soup.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Chicken & Wild Rice Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simmer gently on the stove until warmed through; avoid boiling to retain its creamy texture.

Sometimes I surprise my friends with this soup during chilly evenings, and their smiles are all I need as feedback—nothing beats warm hearts and full bellies!

FAQ

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver and adds amazing flavor to your Chicken & Wild Rice Soup.

What can I substitute if I don’t have wild rice?

Brown rice works well as an alternative; just adjust cooking times accordingly in your Chicken & Wild Rice Soup.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days, featuring tender chicken and nutty wild rice in a creamy, aromatic broth. This heartwarming dish not only nourishes the body but also brings loved ones together around the dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and diced chicken; cook until chicken is golden brown on all sides.
3. Pour in chicken broth and add rinsed wild rice. Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Stir in heavy cream and thyme; let simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving warm.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 85mg