Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a creamy, comforting classic that combines tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup is wholesome, filling, and easy enough to make for a cozy family dinner or meal prep.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighswild rice blendolive oilbutteronioncarrotscelerygarlic clovechicken brothheavy cream or milkflourthymebay leafparsleysaltblack pepper

directions

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a light roux.

Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.

Add raw chicken, wild rice, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.

Stir in heavy cream or milk and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 55-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a faster version.
Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Add mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor.
Include spinach or kale at the end for a nutritious boost.

storage/reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken if needed.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6-7 hours, adding the cream at the end.

What kind of wild rice should I use?
A wild rice blend or pure wild rice both work, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk instead of cream.

How can I make it thicker?
Simmer uncovered to reduce or add a little extra flour in the beginning.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, they stay tender and juicy in the soup.

Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely, peas, corn, or green beans are great additions.

What herbs pair well with this soup?
Thyme, parsley, and rosemary complement the flavors beautifully.

Can I skip the cream?
Yes, the soup will still be hearty and delicious without it.

Conclusion

Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a deliciously hearty, creamy bowl of comfort perfect for warming up any day. Easy to prepare and loaded with flavor, it’s a must-have recipe for cozy nights and satisfying lunches alike. Enjoy every spoonful!