If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels both nourishing and satisfying, look no further than this Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and vibrant vegetables all simmered together in a creamy yet wholesome broth. Every spoonful offers a warm hug that’s packed with flavor and packed with goodness, making it an ideal meal for chilly days or anytime you want something truly comforting without the heaviness. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become your go-to when you want something cozy and healthy on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that each bring a special touch to your soup, whether it’s flavor, texture, or color. Using fresh vegetables and quality chicken ensures your soup tastes vibrant and wholesome every single time.
- Raw chicken pieces: Using any cut you prefer adds tender, juicy protein to the dish.
- Large onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
- Garlic cloves: Brings a fragrant punch that brightens the entire pot.
- Carrots: Offer a pop of color and natural sweetness for balance.
- Celery stalks: Add crispness and a fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Potatoes: Give creamy texture and body to the soup.
- Dried or fresh mushrooms: Impart an earthy richness that elevates the broth.
- Wild rice: Provides a nutty flavor and hearty bite unlike any other grain.
- Water or low sodium chicken broth: The base that carries all the flavors together.
- Dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the chicken.
- Prepared mustard: Introduces a tangy depth that balances the creaminess.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor while seasoning the soup evenly.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything into harmony.
- Whole milk: Gives the soup a luscious creaminess without heaviness.
- Parsley: Fresh, finely chopped, it brightens the final dish with color and freshness.
- Butter (for stovetop method): Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables during sautéing.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Begin by heating butter in a large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Then introduce the carrots, celery, fresh mushrooms (if using), dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue sautéing for about 5 minutes. This step builds a beautifully fragrant base that sets the tone for the entire soup.
Step 2: Add Main Ingredients and Liquid
Next, add the chicken pieces, diced potatoes, dried mushrooms (if fresh aren’t used), and the wild rice. Pour in your chosen liquid—either water or low sodium chicken broth. Cover the pot, bring everything to a vigorous boil, then lower the heat to simmer gently. This slow cooking melds the flavors and ensures the chicken stays tender while the rice expands to that perfect chewy texture.
Step 3: Cooking Methods: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, or Instant Pot
You have flexibility here depending on your schedule. On the stovetop, let the soup simmer covered for about 55 minutes. If you prefer slow cooking, transfer all sautéed ingredients into your slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours—perfect for busy days. For quicker results, the Instant Pot pressure cooks everything in 25 minutes, with a short natural release afterward. Each method gives you a wonderfully rich soup that’s ready when you are.
Step 4: Finish the Soup
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken onto a plate, then shred it with two forks. Stir the whole milk and prepared mustard into the pot. Use an immersion blender to pulse a few times—this will thicken the soup to a lovely creamy consistency while still leaving some texture. Add the shredded chicken and sprinkle in the finely chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Give it a good stir and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and a subtle peppery flavor that complements the richness of the soup. You could also add a few grinds of black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of indulgence. These small touches personalize the bowl and make every serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls is simply magic. The bread is perfect for dipping to soak up all that creamy, savory broth. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can round out your meal with fresh and crisp contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl—it’s both edible and visually impressive. Garnish with a twist of lemon zest to add brightness or sprinkle toasted nuts on top for an unexpected crunch. Sharing this soup family-style in a large, rustic pot also brings warmth and togetherness to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and moisture. When you’re ready, simply warm a portion on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to make sure it heats evenly.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this soup freezes well. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It’s a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks. When you thaw it, the texture of the wild rice will remain robust, and the flavors will be just as delicious as freshly made.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent curdling of the milk and maintain creaminess. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup feels too thick after refrigeration. A quick stir with a spoon will bring it back to that perfectly smooth and comforting consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rice in this Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe?
Wild rice is preferred for its unique texture and nutty flavor, but you can substitute with brown rice or a rice blend if needed. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the rice used.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with a plant-based milk like unsweetened almond or oat milk. Make sure to stir gently when adding to avoid separation, and consider using a bit of olive oil instead of butter for sautéing.
Can I prepare this Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe vegetarian?
You can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Double the mushrooms or add other hearty veggies like zucchini or kale to keep the soup satisfying and rich.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Once the chicken is cooked and cooled slightly, use two forks to pull it apart into bite-sized pieces. Shredding keeps the chicken tender and helps it blend seamlessly throughout the soup.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
After blending, if the soup is too thick, simply stir in a little more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe truly feels like a warm embrace in a bowl—and it’s filled with wholesome ingredients that make both your taste buds and body happy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup hits all the right notes. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every comforting spoonful as much as I do!
Print
Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish featuring tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a medley of vegetables. Perfectly seasoned with thyme, garlic, and mustard, this soup comes together with options for stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot preparation. It’s creamy, flavorful, and ideal for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 1.5 pounds any raw chicken pieces (breasts, drumsticks, or cut-up whole chicken)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon butter (for stovetop only)
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped
- 3 large celery stalks, diced
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- ½ cup dried mushrooms or 2 cups fresh brown mushrooms, sliced
- Small bunch parsley, finely chopped
Grains and Liquids
- 1 ½ cups wild rice
- 7 cups water or low sodium chicken broth
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté Aromatics: For stovetop and slow cooker methods, preheat butter in a large heavy-bottom pot or skillet over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Add carrots, celery, fresh mushrooms (if using), thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; continue sautéing for 5 minutes to deepen flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer sautéed mixture to your cooking vessel (pot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot). Add chicken pieces, diced potatoes, dried mushrooms (if not using fresh), wild rice, and water or chicken broth.
- Cook the Soup:
- Stovetop: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 55 minutes until chicken and rice are tender.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or on High for 5-6 hours until ingredients are fully cooked.
- Instant Pot: Seal the lid, set valve to sealing, and pressure cook on High for 25 minutes. Let natural release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the pot and shred them with two forks.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in milk and mustard into the pot. Use an immersion blender to pulse blend the soup a few times to your desired thickness, then adjust consistency with extra water or broth if needed. Add the shredded chicken and chopped parsley; stir well to combine.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, ideally with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- You can use any raw chicken pieces depending on your preference; bone-in pieces add more flavor.
- Using low sodium broth helps control the salt level in the soup.
- Adjust the soup thickness by blending more or less and adding extra broth or water.
- For a creamier version, use whole milk or substitute with light cream if desired.
- This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot methods based on your available equipment and time.
