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Creamy Chicken And Wild Rice Soup2
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Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a rich, creamy broth, perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy meal any time.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken, Comforting, Creamy, Easy, Hearty, Soup, Weeknight, Wild Rice
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 medium carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup wild rice rinsed
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
  • 1 cup whole milk or plant-based milk alternative unsweetened
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and rosemary. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the rinsed wild rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the vegetable and herb mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender but still chewy.
  • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken breast. Allow the soup to heat through for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the whole milk and heavy cream (or their plant-based alternatives). Heat the soup gently, making sure it doesn’t boil, to prevent the cream from curdling. Cook for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Equipment

  • Large pot

Notes

Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time. Rinse the wild rice thoroughly before cooking. Simmer gently after adding cream to avoid curdling. For a thicker soup, puree a portion and stir back in. Add fresh lemon juice for brightness. Use fresh herbs for more vibrant flavor. Variations include adding mushrooms, red pepper flakes for spice, dairy-free options, extra veggies, or different herbs.