Chicken with Wild Rice Soup

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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

1. Choose Your Rice: True wild rice gives a distinct nutty flavor. A wild rice blend can also work if you prefer quicker cook times.
2. Control Thickness: For a thicker soup, use the flour slurry with cream. For a lighter version, skip or reduce the cream.
3. Rotisserie Shortcut: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken—just add it toward the end of cooking.
4. Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or rosemary, stir them in near the end for a brighter flavor.
5. Storage: Wild rice continues to absorb liquid. If reheating leftovers, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.