There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup on a chilly day. It’s the perfect comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with hearty ingredients that fill you up and warm your soul. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, packing leftovers for lunch, or sharing it with friends, this soup is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

Let’s explore how you can create this delicious dish in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Imagine tender pieces of chicken, wholesome wild rice, and finely chopped vegetables, all swimming in a creamy, savory broth. This soup offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make it a standout favorite. What’s even better? It’s incredibly versatile—you can make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or packed with your favorite add-ins.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this rich and hearty soup:

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped (~1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 shallot or small yellow onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 cups chicken stock or broth (plus more for reheating)
• 1 pound chicken breasts (about 2 breasts), sliced in half
• 1 cup wild blend rice
• ½ cup butter (or vegan butter)
• ½ cup gluten-free flour blend
• 2 cups milk (any kind)

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 Bowl)
Calories	300
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fat	15g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	550mg

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

1. Prep the Vegetables

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and shallots or onions.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Tip: Place a lid on the pot with a splash of water or broth to speed up softening.

2. Add Garlic and Seasoning

1. Stir in the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme.
2. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Cook the Chicken

1. Pour the chicken stock or broth into the pot and turn the heat to high.
2. Once the liquid begins to boil, add the halved chicken breasts.
3. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, chop or shred the chicken and set it aside in a bowl or container.

4. Cook the Rice

1. Add the wild blend rice to the pot and stir to combine.
2. Cover and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is al dente.

5. Make the Cream Sauce

1. While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce.
4. Switch to a spatula and stir until the mixture thickens, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.

6. Combine and Finish the Soup

1. Once the rice is cooked, slowly whisk the cream sauce into the soup.
2. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

7. Let the Soup Rest and Serve

1. Remove the pot from heat and let the soup sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly.
2. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Use High-Quality Stock: A rich chicken stock makes all the difference in flavor.
• Cook Rice Separately (Optional): If you’re worried about overcooked rice, cook it separately and add it to the soup before serving.
• Double the Batch: This soup freezes well, making it a great meal prep option.
• Customize the Creaminess: For a richer soup, use whole milk or a combination of milk and heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

1. Pair It with Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots for a complete meal.
2. Salad on the Side: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the soup.
3. Top It Off: Add fresh parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

FAQs About Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

1. Can I Use Leftover Chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe. Simply skip the step of cooking the chicken breasts.

2. What’s the Best Rice to Use?

A wild rice blend adds great texture and flavor, but plain wild rice or even brown rice are excellent alternatives.

3. Can I Make This Dairy-Free?

Yes! Use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

4. How Long Does This Soup Last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain consistency.

5. Can I Freeze Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

Yes, but the texture of the rice and cream may change slightly upon reheating. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

6. What Other Vegetables Can I Add?

Diced potatoes, mushrooms, or peas make excellent additions to this soup

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Conclusion: Warm Up with Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Nothing beats the cozy, satisfying flavors of Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup. This dish is the perfect combination of hearty ingredients and creamy comfort, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or sharing with loved ones.

Ready to create this soul-warming soup? Gather your ingredients, grab your soup pot, and enjoy the magic of homemade comfort food at its finest!

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