Ultimate Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe for Comfort

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine the aroma of tender chicken mingling with earthy wild rice, rich broth, and a symphony of vegetables wafting through your kitchen. Each spoonful is a comforting blend of flavors that dances on your palate, inviting you to savor every drop.

Growing up, my grandma served this sumptuous soup during family gatherings, and it was always the highlight of the meal. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a pick-me-up after a long day. Prepare to be swept off your feet by its hearty goodness!

Ingredients for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust depending on how hungry your crew is.
• Wild Rice Mix: A blend of wild rice adds depth; look for one that includes brown rice and other grains for texture.
• Carrots: Use fresh carrots for sweetness; they add color and nutrition to the soup.
• Celery Stalks: Don’t skip these crunchy delights—they provide essential flavor and balance to the dish.
• Onion: A medium onion enhances the soup’s foundation with its savory goodness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic punch; crush them for maximum flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can manage salt levels while still packing in flavor.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme adds an earthy note that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Bay Leaves: Just a couple will add depth; remember to remove them before serving!

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: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. This will save you time later!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, toss in the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until they soften—about five minutes—letting those delightful smells fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Add Chicken & Broth

Stir in your diced chicken breasts next. Once they’re coated in those aromatic veggies, pour in about eight cups of chicken broth along with bay leaves and thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add Wild Rice

Once boiling, stir in your wild rice mix. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about forty-five minutes or until the rice is tender—the longer you simmer, the more flavorful it gets!

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves (they’ve done their job), then taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle generous portions into bowls and enjoy! This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or even just by itself—no judgment here!

This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup not only warms hearts but also fills bellies—it’s comfort food at its best!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken to golden perfection first, then cook the wild rice in a separate pot while your vegetables simmer in savory broth. This sequence ensures that every ingredient shines in its own right, creating a symphony of flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup! Swap out the chicken for turkey, use brown rice instead of wild rice, or add fresh herbs like thyme or dill for an extra burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

To store your soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

The first time I made this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, my friends declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Little did they know, I’d been eating leftovers for breakfast all week long—no shame here!

FAQs :

What are the main ingredients in Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup typically includes fresh chicken, wild rice, vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, as well as herbs and spices to enhance flavor. You can also find cream or broth as a base for the soup. This combination makes for a hearty meal that is both nutritious and comforting.

How long does it take to make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?

Making Chicken and Wild Rice Soup usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish. The cooking time may vary depending on whether you are using pre-cooked chicken or raw chicken. If you use leftover chicken, you can significantly reduce the cooking time, making it a quick meal option.

Can I freeze Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken and Wild Rice Soup for later use. However, it’s best to freeze it without adding any cream or dairy. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop until warm. This way, your soup maintains its texture and flavor.

What are some variations of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?

There are several delicious variations of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup that you can try. You might add mushrooms for an earthy flavor or spinach for extra nutrients. Some people prefer a spicy kick by adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Feel free to customize the recipe according to your taste preferences!

Conclusion for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup :

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with the nutty flavor of wild rice. This comforting recipe is perfect for chilly days, offering nourishment in every bowl. With easily customizable ingredients, you can tailor it to suit your family’s tastes while keeping preparation simple. Whether enjoyed fresh or frozen for later, this soup remains a staple for any home cook looking to create something wholesome and satisfying.

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Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 cups (6 servings) 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Warm and comforting, this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a delightful blend of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and vibrant vegetables—perfect for chilly nights!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup wild rice mix
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 tsp fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces: dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add Chicken & Broth: Stir in diced chicken breasts. Pour in chicken broth along with bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add Wild Rice: Once boiling, stir in wild rice mix. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until rice is tender.
5. Final Touches: Remove bay leaves. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle generous portions into bowls. Serve warm with crusty bread or on its own.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 530mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Customize your soup by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze without cream for later use.