Save A comforting, hearty soup featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth—perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.
I first made this soup on a chilly evening, and it instantly became a family favorite for its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: shredded or diced
- 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil:
- 1 medium yellow onion: diced
- 2 medium carrots: peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks: sliced
- 2 cloves garlic: minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: optional, for a creamy version
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary:
- 1 bay leaf:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Step 2:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add wild rice blend, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Step 4:
- Stir in cooked chicken and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until heated through.
- Step 5:
- Optional: For a creamy soup, add the heavy cream or half-and-half and heat gently without boiling.
- Step 6:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf.
- Step 7:
- Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Save Sharing this soup with my family on cold evenings has made many happy memories.
Notes
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or toss in baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens. Serve with crusty bread for a heartier meal.
Required Tools
Large soup pot, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon, ladle
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if using cream or half-and-half. Naturally gluten-free; ensure broth and other packaged ingredients are gluten-free if sensitive. Double-check all ingredient labels if you have food allergies.
Save This quick chicken and wild rice soup is perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight dinners.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use leftover chicken in this dish?
Yes, leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken can be added toward the end of cooking for convenience and flavor.
- → How do I make the dish dairy-free?
Simply omit the heavy cream or half-and-half for a naturally gluten-free and dairy-free version.
- → What kind of rice is best for this preparation?
A wild rice blend works best for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, perfectly complementing the tender chicken.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Yes, baby spinach or other greens added in the last few minutes of cooking offer added color and nutrition.
- → How long should the wild rice cook?
Simmer the wild rice blend for 20–25 minutes until tender before adding chicken.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor here?
Dried thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf add warm, herbal notes that deepen the broth’s taste.