Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is the epitome of comfort food. The wild rice adds a wonderful texture, while the creamy broth brings everything together into a bowl of pure deliciousness. The addition of tender chicken, carrots, celery, and onions provides the perfect balance of flavors. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is also hearty and nutritious. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or making it ahead for lunch, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup wild rice
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

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

Directions

Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the wild rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cream to thicken and the flavors to combine.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the vegetables while sautéing for an extra layer of flavor.
Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Extra Veggies: You can add extra vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach to make the soup even more hearty.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit more chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this soup?

Yes, you can use cooked chicken. Simply add it in when you’re simmering the rice and broth, just to heat it through.

2. Can I use a different type of rice?

While wild rice is ideal for this soup, you can substitute it with long-grain white rice. However, cooking times may vary.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well and can be made ahead. Just allow it to cool before refrigerating. The flavors may even develop more after a day or two.

4. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check the label of any seasonings or additives for gluten content.

5. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the chicken and vegetables in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. Add the rice, broth, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

6. How can I make the soup richer?

For a richer flavor, add more cream or even a dollop of cream cheese during the simmering stage.

7. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Yes, feel free to add more vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or green beans to make the soup heartier.

8. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth or even turkey broth if you prefer. Chicken broth is typically used for the flavor, but any broth you like will work.

9. How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

To avoid curdling, make sure the soup is on low heat when you add the cream. Stir constantly and avoid boiling after adding the cream.

10. How do I make the soup thicker?

If you’d like a thicker soup, you can purée a portion of the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender. Alternatively, let the soup simmer longer to allow it to reduce.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The combination of tender chicken, wild rice, and creamy broth makes for a filling and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. It’s easy to make, versatile, and a comforting dish for any occasion. Try it today for a bowl of warmth and satisfaction!