Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug, this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is exactly what you need. Combining tender pieces of chicken with nutty wild rice and a rich, creamy broth, this soup brings together beautiful textures and deep flavors in every spoonful. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on any day of the year, whether you’re nursing a cold or just wanting a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours but actually comes together with smart, simple steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward yet essential, each one playing a distinct role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the aromatic vegetables to the star players—chicken and wild rice—these ingredients come together to create an irresistible bowl of cozy goodness.

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice: Wild rice adds a pleasantly chewy texture and earthy, slightly nutty flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy base.
• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth for rice: Cooking the wild rice in chicken broth instead of water boosts the foundational flavor from the start.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Rich and creamy, butter is what gives the rice that luscious, velvety finish once cooked.
• 1 ¼ lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, these provide the hearty protein and soak up all the soup’s delicious flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Basic but crucial seasonings that enhance every part of the soup.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing chicken, adding a subtle fruitiness and helping develop that golden crust.
• ½ cup dry white wine: A splash of wine adds a lovely depth and subtle brightness to the broth—don’t skip it unless you must!
• 3 tablespoons butter (for soup base): Used again here to soften veggies and build that rich, creamy flavor foundation.
• 1 yellow onion, diced: Sweet and aromatic, onions form the backbone of many hearty soups, including this one.
• ¾ cup sliced carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory elements beautifully, plus they add color and texture.
• 2 ribs celery, diced: Adds a mild crunch and that unmistakable soup vegetable earthiness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic elevates the flavor with its punchy, aromatic warmth.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce: An unexpected ingredient that brings umami layers and subtle saltiness.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Just a little kick to brighten the savory profile without overpowering.
• 1/3 cup flour: The secret to giving the soup a rich, creamy thickness without heavy cream alone.
• 5 cups chicken broth: The main liquid body of your soup, bringing all ingredients together.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgent creaminess that makes this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup truly velvety and comforting.
• ½ chicken bouillon cube: Concentrated chicken flavor booster for depth and savoriness.
• 1 cup packed baby spinach: Bright green and tender, spinach adds freshness and color to finish the soup.
• Seasonings (¾ tsp each dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder; ¼ tsp each dried thyme, pepper): These herbs and spices build a fragrant, well-rounded seasoning profile that ties it all together.

How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

Start by cooking your wild rice according to package instructions, but here’s the trick: use chicken broth instead of water to boost flavor right from the start. Once cooked and tender, stir in butter and fluff with a fork to keep those grains separate and silky. You’ll set this aside and bring it back together with the soup later, so keep it warm and ready to go.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot on medium-high heat and sear the chicken for just a few minutes on each side until you see a beautiful golden crust form. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through now—the slow simmering in the soup will finish that job and keep the chicken juicy and tender. Once seared, remove from pot and set aside to rest.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Turn off the heat briefly, pour in the white wine, and use a spatula to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to your pot. This step adds incredible savory depth and complexity to your broth. Allow the wine to reduce by half over medium heat—a rich, aromatic base is coming together!

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add butter to the pot along with diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Let them soften gently for about 5 to 6 minutes. Then, toss in minced garlic, soy sauce, hot sauce, and your dried herbs and spices. This bouquet of flavors will infuse the soup with warmth and bright notes that make every bite interesting.

Step 5: Build the Soup Base

Sprinkle in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes to get rid of any raw flour taste—that’s the trick to thickening the soup beautifully. Slowly add in the chicken broth in steady splashes, stirring constantly to keep everything smooth. Follow with the heavy cream added the same way, stirring continuously for a creamy yet light texture. Drop in the half bouillon cube and bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer.

Step 6: Add Chicken and Simmer

Slice or shred the rested chicken breasts and return them to the pot, along with any tasty juices from the plate. Simmer the soup partially covered for about 15 minutes, making sure it doesn’t boil violently—this keeps the chicken tender and the broth flavorful.

Step 7: Finish with Spinach and Rice

Finally, stir in the baby spinach to wilt gently for a few minutes, adding a pop of bright green freshness. Then, either spoon wild rice directly into your bowls and ladle soup over or, if you don’t expect leftovers, stir the rice right into your soup pot for an instant one-pot meal.

How to Serve Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few twists of cracked black pepper on top brings a lovely freshness and subtle peppery bite to the creamy soup. You can also grate a little sharp cheddar or sprinkle some crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence and texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a simple crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of that luscious broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also works beautifully to balance out the richness and complement the hearty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Chicken and Wild Rice Soup in hollowed-out small pumpkin or acorn squash bowls for a festive touch. Or ladle it over individual baked potatoes for a satisfying and fun dinner presentation that’ll wow your guests or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken and Wild Rice Soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort food to enjoy later in the week.

Freezing

While this soup freezes well, freeze it without the cooked wild rice if possible, as rice can get mushy after freezing and reheating. Store soup and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat to avoid boiling off all the creaminess. If you froze rice separately, add it back in once the soup is heated through to keep it tender but not overcooked.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice in Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?

Absolutely! Brown rice will give a slightly different texture and flavor, being a bit softer and less nutty, but it works well as an alternative if wild rice is hard to find.

Is this soup gluten-free?

The use of flour to thicken the soup means it’s not gluten-free by default. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener instead.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Adding hearty veggies and extra wild rice will keep it satisfying.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for the soup?

Letting the seared chicken rest before shredding helps retain moisture. Use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized shreds quickly and easily.

How long does it take to cook the wild rice?

Wild rice typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes to cook until tender. Keep an eye on your package instructions since times can vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade batch of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction. The blend of creamy broth, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice makes it a true classic that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for sharing. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your soup rotation!

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