Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a hearty, comforting dish filled with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a creamy broth enriched with vegetables and herbs. It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly days, offering both nutrition and warmth in every spoonful. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this soup brings together simple ingredients to create a rich, satisfying bowl of comfort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breast or thighswild ricebutterolive oilonioncarrotscelerygarlicchicken brothheavy cream or half-and-halldried thymebay leaffloursalt and pepper

directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.

Add the raw wild rice, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the pot and stir well.

Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the soup is heated through and creamy.

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 60 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.

Add mushrooms for an earthy, umami-rich twist.

Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Incorporate spinach or kale for extra greens.

Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.

storage/reheating

Store Chicken Wild Rice Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.This soup also freezes well—cool completely before freezing in portions for up to 2 months.Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked wild rice?

Yes, reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes and add the cooked rice in the last 10 minutes.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup for a gluten-free version.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs add more flavor and tenderness.

What if I don’t have cream?

You can use milk, evaporated milk, or a non-dairy alternative, though the soup will be slightly less rich.

Why is my soup too thick?

Add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, add all ingredients except the cream and cooked chicken; cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in chicken and cream before serving.

Can I use a different rice?

Yes, but cooking times may vary—brown rice is a good substitute.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Swap chicken for mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

What herbs go well in this soup?

Thyme, rosemary, and parsley all complement the flavors beautifully.

How do I avoid overcooking the rice?

Keep an eye on the soup as it simmers and test the rice for doneness after 45 minutes.

Conclusion

Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort—creamy, hearty, and full of wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re warming up on a cold evening or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers delicious results every time. Try it once and it’s bound to become a staple in your home.