Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
• The Story Behind Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
• What Makes This Soup Extra Special?
• Expert Tips for the Perfect Creamy Soup
• Tasty Variations to Try
• How to Serve and Store This Comforting Dish

Key Takeaways

• This creamy chicken & wild rice soup is rich, hearty, and perfect for cold weather.
• Using wild rice gives it a unique texture and nutty flavor.
• The combination of shredded chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth makes this a comfort food favorite.
• Easy to make and can be customized with different proteins or dairy alternatives.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Nothing beats a warm bowl of creamy chicken & wild rice soup on a chilly evening. This recipe, brought to you by Clara from Clara Cooks, is the ultimate comfort food. The rich and velvety broth combined with hearty wild rice and tender shredded chicken makes this soup incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something warm and filling, this dish will become a staple in your home.

The Story Behind Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Did you know that wild rice isn’t actually rice? It’s a type of grass native to North America, particularly in Minnesota and Canada. That’s why chicken & wild rice soup has long been a classic in American Midwestern cuisine. The nutty, slightly chewy texture of wild rice pairs beautifully with the creamy broth, creating a dish that has been loved for generations.

What Makes This Soup Extra Special?

What sets this recipe apart is the combination of simple, wholesome ingredients that blend perfectly to create a creamy, rich, and delicious soup. The use of wild rice not only adds texture but also boosts the nutritional value of this dish. Plus, using real heavy cream instead of canned soup ensures that every spoonful is velvety and packed with flavor.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Creamy Soup

• Use real wild rice – Don’t substitute it with white or brown rice; wild rice has a firmer texture and nutty taste that enhances the dish.
• Shred the chicken – Using cooked, shredded chicken makes the soup heartier and easier to eat.
• Slowly add the cream – To prevent curdling, stir the cream in gently at the end of cooking.
• Let it sit – The flavors develop even more after resting for 10-15 minutes.

Tasty Variations to Try

This chicken & wild rice soup is versatile! Here are a few ways you can change it up:

• Make it dairy-free – Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a rich, creamy soup without dairy.
• Add mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms add a wonderful earthy flavor to the broth.
• Use turkey – Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works perfectly in place of chicken.
• Try a spicier version – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.

How to Serve and Store This Comforting Dish

For the best experience, serve this soup with warm, crusty bread or a side salad. It also pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate cozy meal. Leftovers? No problem! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat on the stove over low heat to maintain its creamy consistency.

Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

A comforting and creamy chicken wild rice soup recipe, perfect for chilly evenings. Made with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a rich, flavorful broth.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time40 minutes mins

Total Time50 minutes mins

Course: Soups & Stews

Cuisine: American

Keywords: best chicken soup, chicken dinner ideas, chicken wild rice soup recipe, comfort food recipes, creamy soup recipes, easy chicken soup recipe, homemade soup recipes

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Clara

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Add the wild rice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until rice is tender.
5. Stir in shredded chicken and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Wild rice can be replaced with brown rice for a different texture.