Cozy Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe for Rainy Days

Crafting a soul-warming chicken and wild rice soup can transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with comforting aromas.

Memories of grandmother’s classic recipes dance through this reimagined version that balances rustic ingredients with modern simplicity.

wild grains add delightful texture and nutritional depth to every spoonful.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with earthy rice, creating a symphony of flavors that feel like a warm embrace.

Seasonal vegetables contribute vibrant colors and robust nutrition to this satisfying meal.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected spices elevate the soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor each delicious bite and share this nourishing creation with loved ones.

What Makes Wild Rice Soup So Hearty

• Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken thighs or breasts, adjusting seasonings, or adding extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Pack a powerful punch of protein from chicken and wholesome wild rice, creating a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients in every spoonful.
• Prepare this soup in advance and store in the refrigerator, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious, ready-to-eat meal with minimal effort.

What You Need for Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that provides hearty protein for the soup.

• Wild Rice: Nutty and chewy grain that adds texture and substance to the soup.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: Classic soup base that creates a rich and flavorful foundation.

• Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base and deep chicken flavor.
• Bay Leaves, Thyme, Sage: Herbs that add warm and earthy depth to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds a fresh finish to the soup.

Simmer Chicken Wild Rice Soup Right

Step 1: Prep Wild Rice

Cook wild rice following package instructions in a separate pot.

This technique keeps the rice perfectly textured and prevents turning mushy during soup preparation.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame.

• Diced onions
• Sliced carrots
• Chopped celery
• Minced garlic

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and release delightful aromas, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Season Chicken

Gently season chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides.

You can use chicken thighs or breasts based on preference.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Select your preferred cooking method:

Option 1: Separately brown chicken in a skillet for 3-4 minutes per side to reduce extra fat

Option 2: Add seasoned chicken directly into the vegetable pot

Step 5: Build Soup Flavor

Pour chicken broth into the pot.

• Bay leaves
• Fresh thyme
• Dried sage

Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Step 6: Shred and Combine

Remove chicken, let it cool briefly, then shred into bite-sized pieces.

Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir in cooked wild rice.

Step 7: Final Simmer

Allow soup to simmer for additional 15 minutes, letting flavors harmonize.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a vibrant finish.

Wild Rice Soup Cooking Tips

• Cook wild rice separately to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming soggy in the soup.
• Sauté vegetables with salt and pepper until soft to develop a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Choose between browning chicken separately or adding it directly to the pot based on your fat preference and desired cooking method.
• Add bay leaves, thyme, and sage during simmering to create a robust, aromatic broth that elevates the soup's overall flavor.
• Taste and adjust salt throughout cooking to ensure a perfectly seasoned soup without overwhelming the delicate chicken and wild rice blend.

Preserve and Reheat Wild Rice Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the soup cools completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Heat until steaming and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Pairing Tips for Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Craft a Bold Chardonnay Companion: Select a medium-bodied, slightly oaked Chardonnay with buttery notes that complement the soup's creamy texture and rich chicken flavor. The wine's subtle oak and apple undertones will enhance the earthy wild rice and herbal seasonings.
• Bake Rustic Herb Bread: Create a crusty sourdough or rosemary-infused bread to serve alongside the soup. The bread's crisp exterior and soft interior will soak up the broth's delicious flavors, providing a delightful textural contrast and additional herbal dimension.
• Toss Crisp Apple Walnut Salad: Prepare a light salad with mixed greens, sliced green apples, toasted walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette. The salad's crispness and slight acidity will cut through the soup's richness, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty main dish.

Alternate Takes on Wild Rice Soup

• Vegetarian Rice and Vegetable Soup: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Wild Rice Delight: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Verify broth and seasonings do not contain gluten-based additives. Replace wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Blend: Reduce salt content by using low-sodium chicken broth. Replace salt with herbs like rosemary, oregano, and fresh cracked pepper for enhanced flavor. Select fresh herbs to boost taste without increasing sodium.
• Keto-Friendly Protein Soup: Swap wild rice with cauliflower rice. Use full-fat chicken broth. Add heavy cream for extra richness. Choose chicken thighs for higher fat content, supporting ketogenic macronutrient requirements.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of rice instead of wild rice?

Wild rice has a unique nutty flavor and chewy texture that’s hard to replicate. Brown rice or long-grain white rice can work, but they’ll change the soup’s overall taste and texture.

• Is it better to use chicken thighs or chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier during cooking. Chicken breasts can dry out more easily, so if using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

• How can I make the soup more creamy?

Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the final simmer. Alternatively, you can stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese for extra richness and smoothness.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed to maintain the right consistency.

Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken and wild rice soup delivers classic Minnesota warmth with creamy broth and tender chicken nestled among nutty rice grains. Rich seasonal ingredients combine seamlessly, promising delicious spoonfuls that transport you directly to winter’s most satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup wild rice blend

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 carrots (sliced)
• 3 celery stalks (chopped)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Herbs and Spices:

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 grams) dried sage
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Garnish:

• 0.25 cup (59 milliliters) fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Prepare wild rice separately according to package instructions to maintain its distinct texture and prevent overcooking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Incorporate diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper, sautéing until vegetables become tender and aromatic, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both surfaces.
4. Select cooking method: either brown chicken in a separate skillet for 3-4 minutes per side to minimize additional fat, or add seasoned chicken directly into the vegetable mixture.
5. Pour chicken broth into the pot, introducing bay leaves, thyme, and sage. Evaluate seasoning and adjust salt content. Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and allow soup to simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
6. Extract chicken from the pot, allow brief cooling, then carefully shred meat using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the simmering liquid.
7. Fold in previously prepared wild rice, ensuring even distribution throughout the soup.
8. Continue simmering for an additional 15 minutes, permitting flavors to harmonize completely. Conduct a final taste test, modifying salt and pepper as necessary.
9. Ladle into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Cook wild rice separately before adding to soup to maintain its distinct texture and prevent overcooking.
• Brown chicken in a separate pan to minimize excess oil, creating a leaner soup without compromising flavor.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end for a brighter, more vibrant taste profile that enhances the soup’s overall complexity.
• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version, ensuring the wild rice and vegetable base remains hearty and satisfying.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg