Wild Rice Chicken Soup

Name: Wild Rice Chicken Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Wild Rice Chicken Soup, especially on chilly days. The aromatic blend of spices combined with tender chicken and chewy wild rice creates a warm hug in a bowl. As I sauté the vegetables, the kitchen fills with such delightful scents that my family rushes in, eagerly awaiting a taste. This recipe is not only nourishing but also allows for easy customization, letting me add whatever leftover vegetables I have on hand. It’s a comforting meal that brings everyone to the table.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T10:54:28.052Z

Creating this soup is one of my favorite culinary adventures. Each step builds flavor; starting with browning the chicken ensures that every bite is juicy and tender. I like to add fresh herbs towards the end for an extra burst of flavor, which really elevates the dish. The wild rice provides a delightful nutty taste that complements the savory chicken perfectly.

One specific tip I've learned is to simmer the soup slowly after adding the rice. This allows the grains to soak up all the delicious flavors, while preventing them from becoming mushy. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and nourishing, perfect for cold days
Delicious blend of flavors with fresh herbs and spices
Easy to make and adaptable with multiple veggies

      

Mastering Wild Rice

Wild rice is not only nutritious but adds a unique texture to the soup. It takes longer to cook than white rice, about 45 minutes, so be patient. When properly cooked, wild rice should be tender, with a slight chewiness. If you want quicker cooking, consider using a blend of wild rice and white rice, but be cautious with the ratios since white rice cooks faster.

To enhance the wild rice's flavor, consider toasting it in the pot for a couple of minutes after sautéing the vegetables. This step adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the chicken and broth beautifully. Just watch it carefully to avoid burning; a light golden hue is ideal.

Customizing Your Soup

This Wild Rice Chicken Soup is quite versatile. Feel free to include vegetables like spinach, kale, or even mushrooms, which can add depth and flavor. Just add these in the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and retain their color and nutrients.

If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream to keep it creamy without the dairy. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, as coconut milk can add a sweetness that may require additional salt or acidity.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to plan for the week, consider making a double batch and freezing half; it will keep for up to three months. Just be sure to leave out the heavy cream if you're freezing, as dairy does not freeze well.

When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the chicken from becoming tough. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, simply add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare a hearty Wild Rice Chicken Soup.

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, diced
1 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

These fresh ingredients will come together to create a nourishing bowl of soup.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Wild Rice Chicken Soup.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Remove the chicken and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Combine Ingredients

Return the chicken to the pot and stir in the wild rice, chicken broth, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Finish the Soup

If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a richer consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your warm and comforting meal!

Following these steps ensures a delicious, comforting soup for anyone!

Pro Tips

Try adding leftover vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition and flavor! Also, feel free to substitute turkey for the chicken, especially after holiday feasts.

Flavor Enhancements

Don’t hesitate to experiment with fresh herbs; adding a handful of freshly chopped parsley or dill just before serving elevates the flavor. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness, which works exceptionally well as a contrast to the richness of the soup.

For added depth, consider cooking the chicken with a splash of white wine or sherry before adding the broth. This small addition can elevate the overall profile of the soup, giving it a gourmet touch with minimal effort.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the soup comes out too salty, consider adding a diced potato during the simmering stage. Potatoes absorb some of the saltiness and can help balance the flavors. Make sure to remove the potato before serving; it will break down and blend into the soup, changing its texture.

Should you find the soup too thick, you can easily remedy this by adding more broth or water gradually until it reaches your desired consistency. Just keep in mind to re-season, as additional liquid may dilute the flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, but keep in mind you'll need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

→ Is this soup freezable?

Absolutely! Just leave out the heavy cream if you plan to freeze it, as cream can separate when frozen.

→ Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Just add all the ingredients (except heavy cream) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.