Chicken with Wild Rice Soup

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An earthy, comforting soup featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and aromatic herbs in a satisfying broth. Perfect for cooler evenings or any time you crave hearty goodness.
Yield
Serves 4–6
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces (or use shredded rotisserie chicken)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice (rinsed and drained)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional (for a creamy version):
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
Instructions
-
Sauté the Chicken
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned. If using rotisserie chicken, skip directly to sautéing the veggies. -
Cook the Vegetables
Stir in the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions turn translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. -
Add Wild Rice & Broth
Stir in the wild rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Add thyme and rosemary if using. Bring to a gentle boil. -
Simmer
Reduce the heat, cover, and let the soup simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender (adjust cooking time if using pre-cooked chicken). -
Optional Creamy Finish
For a creamy soup, whisk the flour into the half-and-half (or heavy cream). Slowly stir this mixture into the soup. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Season & Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~300, Fat: ~12g, Saturated Fat: ~6g, Carbohydrates: ~25g, Fiber: ~3g, Sugars: ~3g, Protein: ~20g
5 Kitchen Tips
- Choose Your Rice: True wild rice gives a distinct nutty flavor. A wild rice blend can also work if you prefer quicker cook times.
- Control Thickness: For a thicker soup, use the flour slurry with cream. For a lighter version, skip or reduce the cream.
- Rotisserie Shortcut: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken—just add it toward the end of cooking.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or rosemary, stir them in near the end for a brighter flavor.
- Storage: Wild rice continues to absorb liquid. If reheating leftovers, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.