Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup on a chilly evening. This recipe has been a weeknight staple in our family for years, and I’m so excited to share it with you today. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers big on flavor, making it a perfect go-to meal any day of the week.

this Recipe

This soup boasts a creamy, savory broth with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a touch of fresh herbs. It’s hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, and the leftovers are even better the next day! Are you ready to learn how to make this comforting classic? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love It

This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

• Comforting and Flavorful: The creamy broth, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice create a symphony of flavors that’s both satisfying and comforting.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner cooks. It’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup!
• Healthy and Hearty: Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a nourishing meal that will keep you feeling full and energized. Feel free to substitute ingredients to match your dietary needs.
• Versatile and Adaptable: This soup is a great base recipe that you can customize to your liking. Try adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices to create your own signature twist.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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• Author: Molly Carswell Pilz
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This comforting Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is surprisingly simple to make and delivers big on flavor. It’s hearty, healthy, and perfect for a chilly evening. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice create a symphony of flavors you’ll love.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter or olive oil
• 1 small yellow or white onion, diced (1 cup; 120g)
• 2 medium carrots, diced (1 cup; 120g)
• 2–3 ribs celery stalks, diced (1 cup; 120g)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (18g)
• 1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour
• 6 cups (1.4L) chicken stock
• 1 pound (454g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (150g) wild rice blend, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon (5g) fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups (473ml) milk
• 2 large handfuls baby spinach, roughly chopped (100g)
• Fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Dice onion, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic, chop rosemary, and rinse wild rice.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Sauté onion in butter/oil until softened, then add carrots and celery.
3. Build the Flavor Base: Add garlic, then flour to create a roux.
4. Add the Liquids and Chicken: Gradually pour in chicken stock, add chicken, rice, rosemary, and bay leaves.
5. Simmer to Perfection: Simmer until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
6. Shred the Chicken: Remove and shred chicken.
7. Finish the Soup: Return chicken to pot, stir in milk and spinach, and season.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.

Notes

This soup is incredibly versatile! For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs. Adjust the amount of milk for desired creaminess. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried herbs work well too, just use about 1 teaspoon. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Category: Soups
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredient Lowdown

Here’s what you’ll need to gather from your pantry and fridge to make this delicious soup:

• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter or olive oil: This will form the base of our flavor, sautéing the aromatics.
• 1 small yellow or white onion, diced (1 cup; 120g): Adds a touch of sweetness and depth. Feel free to use a red onion for a slightly sharper flavor.
• 2 medium carrots, diced (1 cup; 120g): Carrots add sweetness and a vibrant color.
• 2-3 ribs celery stalks, diced (1 cup; 120g): Celery lends its signature savory note.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (18g): Garlic adds warmth and fragrance.
• 1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour: This will help thicken the soup. You can also substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you have dietary restrictions.
• 6 cups (1.4L) chicken stock: Use low-sodium to control the saltiness. For an extra boost, try making homemade stock from scratch.
• 1 pound (454g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken is our protein star. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• 1 cup (150g) wild rice blend, rinsed and drained: Wild rice offers a nutty taste and pleasant texture.
• 1 tablespoon (5g) fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Fresh herbs add a vibrant aroma. If you don’t have rosemary, try thyme or tarragon.
• 2 bay leaves: These infuse the soup with subtle earthiness; remember to remove them before serving.
• 2 cups (473ml) milk: Plain cow’s milk or a plant-based option will work beautifully to add creaminess.
• 2 large handfuls baby spinach, roughly chopped (100g): Spinach adds a boost of nutrients and vibrant green color.
• Fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key! Adjust to your preference.

From Start to Finish

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and chop the fresh rosemary. Rinse the wild rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the carrots and celery to the pot and continue sautéing for another 3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute more, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup.

Step 4: Add the Liquids and Chicken

Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the chicken breasts, wild rice, rosemary, and bay leaves to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 40-45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot using tongs and transfer them to a clean plate. Let them cool for a few minutes before shredding the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 7: Finish the Soup

Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the milk and baby spinach until the spinach wilts. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking, adjusting to your taste preferences.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.

Better-Than-Grandma Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Brown the chicken: For added depth, brown the chicken pieces in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the soup. This step adds a delicious savory note.
• Sauté the vegetables: Don’t rush the sautéing process for the onions, carrots, and celery. Allow them to soften and develop their sweetness, which builds a flavorful foundation for the soup. Check out our guide on how to sauté vegetables for helpful techniques.
• Use quality stock: The quality of your chicken stock significantly impacts the soup’s overall flavor. Homemade stock is ideal, but a good-quality store-bought low-sodium version also works great.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process. You can always add more salt and pepper at the end to fine-tune the flavor to your preference.
• Don’t overcook the rice: Wild rice should be cooked until tender but still have a slight chew. Overcooking it can make it mushy.

Try These Variations

Here are a few ideas to customize this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe:

• Creamy Dreamy: For an extra creamy soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche during the last few minutes of cooking. This will add richness and a velvety texture.
• Mushroom Magic: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the pot along with the carrots and celery for an earthy depth. Sauté them until softened and slightly browned.
• Veggie Delight: Swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian. You can add more vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or corn for extra flavor and nutrients. Check out our other delicious soup recipes for further inspiration.
• Herby Infusion: Experiment with different herbs and spices. Thyme, tarragon, or a pinch of dried oregano can complement the flavors beautifully.
• Lemon Zest: Add a touch of brightness with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a teaspoon of lemon zest before serving. This adds a zingy twist to the creamy soup.

How to Serve

This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but here are some ideas for serving it up:

• With crusty bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is the perfect accompaniment for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth. Our easy no-knead bread is a great option.
• With a side salad: A fresh, crisp salad offers a light and refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the soup. Try a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or a more substantial salad with roasted vegetables.
• As a starter: Serve smaller portions of the soup as a starter for a larger meal. It’s a wonderful way to begin a comforting autumn or winter feast.
• Garnish generously: Before serving, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for added flavor and visual appeal.

That’s a Wrap

This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. I hope it becomes a new family favorite, just like it has for us. Don’t forget to explore our other delicious dinner recipes for more weeknight inspiration. Share your culinary triumphs with me on social media—tag me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!