BEST CHICKEN & WILD RICE SOUP

The craving hits on a chilly evening: a bowl brimming with tender chicken, chewy wild rice, and a creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. Forget the canned stuff; this homemade Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is a flavor explosion you won’t believe is so easy to create. Get ready to ladle up a spoonful of pure comfort – I promise you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients for the BEST Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

For the Soup:

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Wild Rice Blend: 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend (check package for rinsing instructions)
• Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Broth: 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best!)
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried sage; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Bay Leaf: 1 bay leaf
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chopped; green onions, sliced

Special Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven

Step-by-Step Instructions to Soup Perfection

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. In your large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point. We will be shredding it later.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pot.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 3: Make a Roux

1. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables.
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup.

Step 4: Build the Soup

1. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
2. Add the wild rice blend, dried thyme, dried sage, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring the soup to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Shred

1. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and has opened up. The cooking time can vary depending on the type of wild rice blend you use, so check it periodically.
2. While the soup simmers, shred the cooked chicken using two forks.

Step 6: Finish the Soup

1. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
2. Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream.
3. Heat through gently, being careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Ladle the Chicken & Wild Rice Soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Troubleshooting and Expert Tips

Wild Rice Woes

Wild rice can be tricky! Different blends require different cooking times. Always check the package instructions and taste-test the rice as it simmers to ensure it’s cooked through but not mushy. If your rice is taking longer than expected, add a little extra broth to the pot.

Creamy Confusion

Adding cream can sometimes lead to curdling if the soup is too hot. To prevent this, temper the cream by slowly whisking a small amount of the hot soup into the cream before adding the cream to the entire pot. Also, avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream.

Thickening Troubles

If your soup isn’t thick enough, you can make a slurry by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Gradually stir the slurry into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier, thicker texture. Be careful not to over-blend, or the wild rice will become mushy.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Spice it Up

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a little kick.

Vegetable Power

Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as mushrooms, spinach, or kale. Add mushrooms along with the onions, carrots, and celery. Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking, until wilted.

Herby Goodness

Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or chives.

Make it Lighter

Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the soup. You can also use less butter or omit the roux altogether.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead

You can make the Chicken & Wild Rice Soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time! When reheating, add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Crusty bread or rolls for dipping
• A side salad
• Grilled cheese sandwich

Craving More Comfort Food?

If you love this Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, you might also enjoy my Chicken Mushroom Soup, which is another creamy and flavorful option. Or, for a vegetarian twist, try this amazing Wild Rice Soup! Looking for something even creamier? Then you should try my Creamy Chicken Soup. And if you want a little pasta, then my Chicken Pasta Soup is your perfect choice. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a classic Chicken Noodle Soup. And for a lighter version check out my Chicken And Rice Soup.

Why This Recipe Works

This Chicken & Wild Rice Soup recipe is a winner because it’s:

• Flavorful: The combination of herbs, spices, and aromatics creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.
• Comforting: The creamy broth and hearty ingredients make it the perfect comfort food for a cold day.
• Easy to make: It’s a relatively simple recipe that anyone can make, even beginner cooks.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.

So there you have it – the BEST Chicken & Wild Rice Soup recipe, complete with all the tips and tricks you need to make it perfectly every time. Grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Happy cooking!