Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a steaming bowl of homemade creamy wild rice chicken soup, where every spoonful feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Crafting this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup, bursting with cozy flavors and wholesome ingredients, is a labor of love. It starts with carrots, celery, and aromatic garlic mingling in a base of rich chicken broth.

Then, I add wild rice and mushrooms, which I think contribute the texture that makes this soup special. Thyme and rosemary go into the pot next, and I let the soup bubble along, filling the kitchen with the most heartwarming smell until it’s done.

The last thing I do is stir in some heavy cream.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat that adds richness and aids heart health.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and is rich in antioxidants.
• Wild Rice: High in fiber and protein, offering a nutty texture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base, rich in nutrients and flavor.
• Thyme: Adds aromatic warmth with potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Heavy Cream: Brings a creamy texture and indulgence to the soup.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

1. In a big pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, alongside the carrots and celery. Sauté for roughly 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

2. In a separate container, stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. The mushrooms start to soften during this time.

3. Place the wild rice that has just been rinsed into the pot along with the chicken broth, fresh thyme, and fresh rosemary. Stir well to combine.

4. Heat the mixture until it boils, then cut the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

5. In a small saucepan, separate from the others, melt the butter. Use medium heat and be patient. When the butter is foamy, whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook this for 1-2 minutes, also whisking the whole time, so that it becomes evenly toasted.

6. Slowly add the roux to the soup, which should be at a low simmer, and stir all the while. You want the soup to be on the verge of a gentle boil before adding the next ingredient.

7. In a well-mixed blend of the following: shredded cooked chicken, heavy cream, and a soup base (secret recipe), heat mixture on low for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

8. Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper as necessary.

9. Take the soup off the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes so it can thicken slightly.

10. Serve hot—with garnishments like chopped fresh parsley, if so desired. And then, enjoy your creamy wild rice chicken soup!

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Medium saucepan
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Whisk
9. Small bowl (for the roux)
10. Ladle (for serving)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of rice instead of wild rice?Absolutely, you can use brown rice or a combination of wild rice in place of white rice. Just keep in mind that the times may vary slightly.
• Is there a dairy-free alternative for heavy cream?Coconut milk and a dairy-free creamer can take the place of heavy cream for a creamy texture that is devoid of dairy.
• How can I make this soup gluten-free?Make the soup gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of regular flour to thicken it.
• Can I prepare this soup in advance?Yes, you can make the soup a day ahead and just reheat it when it’s time to eat. It’s one of those soups whose flavors deepen and improve with time.
• How should I store leftovers?Keep leftover food in a sealed container in the fridge for no more than 3 days. If you reheat it on the stovetop, add some broth to it if it looks like it’s thickening too much. That’s what you do with soup, and this is soup.
• Can I freeze this soup?The optimum time to add cream to soup is after the soup has been frozen, thawed, and reheated. Reheating a thawed, frozen soup to just before serving is the best moment to add cream if you want a creamy-textured soup.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Coconut oil or any vegetable oil can be used in place of olive oil.
Mushrooms: Replace with zucchini or bell peppers for a different texture.
Elk: Substitute with bison or another elk-like game meat of similar nutritional value.
Coconut milk or half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Chicken broth: For a vegetarian alternative, use vegetable broth.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Browning: Before adding the chicken broth, take an extra step to brown the mushrooms after sautéing the garlic. Cook them until they’re golden brown to enhance their umami flavor, adding depth to the soup.