The Coziest Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Chilly evenings call for a comforting chicken wild rice soup that warms you from the inside out.

Hearty kernels of wild rice mingle with tender chicken pieces in a creamy broth.

Minnesotans have perfected this soul-soothing recipe over generations.

Each spoonful brings memories of cozy winter nights and kitchen gatherings.

Ingredients dance together, creating a melody of flavor and warmth.

Seasonal vegetables add vibrant color and nutrition to this classic comfort dish.

You’ll want seconds of this nourishing soup that feels like a culinary hug.

Grab a ladle and let’s make magic happen!

Chicken Wild Rice Soup With Real Homemade Comfort

• Quick Weeknight Savior: One-pot meal that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, comforting dinner in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy families needing delicious nutrition fast.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Wild rice delivers robust protein and fiber, complemented by lean chicken and nutrient-rich vegetables, creating a balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows swapping mushrooms or adding extra vegetables, making it flexible for different tastes and dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Single-pot cooking method means less dishwashing, reducing kitchen time and making this soup an ideal choice for home cooks seeking convenience without sacrificing taste.

Soup Mix in Chicken Wild Rice Version

• Chicken: Hearty and tender meat that provides the main protein source, best when boneless and skinless.
• Chicken Broth: Rich base that adds depth of flavor and extra chicken essence.

• Wild Rice: Nutty and chewy grain that adds texture and earthy flavor, look for organic or locally sourced varieties.
• Carrots, Mushrooms: Colorful and nutritious vegetables that enhance the soup's flavor and provide extra nutrients.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds a flavorful foundation, fresh varieties offer the best taste.

• Parsley, Thyme: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and complex herbal notes to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Milk: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and smooth texture to the soup, whole milk works best.

Simmer Chicken Wild Rice Soup With Care

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Pieces

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Gently place chicken pieces and cook until they develop a golden-brown exterior, releasing a mouthwatering aroma.

This process takes about 5 minutes.

Once browned, transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Base

Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the same pot.

Sauté these flavor-packed ingredients until they become translucent and release their delightful fragrance, which typically takes around 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build Hearty Texture

Incorporate wild rice, sliced carrots, and chopped mushrooms into the pot.

Stir and cook these ingredients for 5 minutes, allowing them to develop a rich, robust character.

Step 4: Create Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes.

This process allows the wild rice to become perfectly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Enrich and Combine

Add milk, fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.

Return the previously cooked chicken pieces back into the mixture, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.

Step 6: Harmonize Flavors

Let the soup simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to mingle and create a deeply satisfying flavor profile.

Serve piping hot, with an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of brightness.

Soup Tips For Chicken And Wild Rice Harmony

• Marinate chicken in herbs and lemon juice before cooking to enhance its taste and tenderness.
• Rinse wild rice thoroughly and stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even distribution and prevent sticking.
• Customize the soup by adding different seasonal vegetables like celery, leeks, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer, more luxurious soup consistency that's extra comforting.
• Prepare the soup in advance and store in the refrigerator – flavors actually improve after sitting for a day, making it perfect for meal prep.

How to Save Chicken Wild Rice Soup Without Losing Texture

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What Fits With Wild Rice Soup

• Savor Wine Elegance: Pair this hearty chicken wild rice soup with a crisp Chardonnay, whose buttery notes complement the soup's creamy texture and enhance its rich flavors.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a smooth amber ale or wheat beer that balances the soup's earthy mushroom and wild rice elements, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the savory chicken.
• Rustic Bread Match: Serve with a crusty sourdough or multigrain bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up the soup's delicious broth, adding textural contrast and extra comfort to the meal.
• Herbal Tea Finale: Brew a light chamomile or sage tea to accompany the soup, offering a gentle, warming finish that echoes the soup's herbal undertones and aids digestion.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Versions

• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap wild rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli, maintaining the soup's creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk, ensuring a creamy consistency without dairy ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking broth and seasonings to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.

FAQs

• What makes wild rice different from regular rice?

Wild rice is actually a grass seed, not a true rice. It’s nutritionally dense, has a chewy texture, and provides more protein and fiber compared to white rice.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it in the final stage of cooking to prevent overcooking.

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutrients. Wild rice offers complex carbohydrates, chicken provides lean protein, and vegetables like carrots and mushrooms add essential vitamins and minerals.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Consider adding more vegetables like celery or spinach, or include a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch and nutrition. You can also increase the chicken quantity for more protein.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich, creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup brings Minnesota’s hearty comfort to your kitchen. Packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and velvety broth, you’ll savor this soul-warming classic that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Vegetables and Rice:

• 1 cup (185 grams) wild rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup (130 grams) carrots, chopped
• 1 cup (70 grams) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a robust pot, introducing bite-sized chicken pieces and searing until golden and caramelized, creating a rich foundational flavor.
2. Within the same aromatic vessel, gently sweat diced onions and minced garlic, releasing their sweet, pungent essence and developing a flavor base.
3. Introduce wild rice, sliced carrots, and quartered mushrooms, allowing them to toast briefly and absorb the pot’s developing complexity.
4. Cascade chicken broth into the mixture, encouraging a gentle simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and allow ingredients to meld and rice to tenderize, approximately 20-25 minutes.
5. Gradually incorporate milk, creating a luxurious creamy texture. Sprinkle in chopped parsley, fragrant thyme, complementary salt, and freshly ground pepper.
6. Return seared chicken to the pot, allowing it to reconnect with the soup’s nuanced flavors during a final 5-10 minute simmer.
7. Ladle the velvety soup into waiting bowls, optionally garnishing with delicate parsley sprigs for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Enhance flavor depth by using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought for richer taste.
• Swap regular milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that adds subtle sweetness and creamy texture.
• Toast wild rice briefly before cooking to unlock deeper nutty undertones and improve overall soup complexity.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with shredded turkey or plant-based alternatives like tofu for vegetarian preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg