Amazing Chicken and Wild Rice Soup for Cozy Nights Recipe

Introduction

Chicken and wild rice soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this nourishing soup warms the soul with every spoonful. Easy to prepare and customizable with pantry staples, it’s destined to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and brown on all sides to seal in juices.
3. Step 3: Pour in the wild rice blend and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
5. Step 5: Stir in heavy cream if using, adding a creamy richness to the soup.
6. Step 6: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Toast the wild rice in a dry pan before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor.
• Use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a delicious twist.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during simmering for extra aroma.
• Include spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Use half-and-half in place of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. Avoid boiling when reheating to maintain creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is chicken and wild rice soup?

It’s a hearty and comforting soup made with tender chicken, a blend of wild and brown rice, fresh vegetables, and often finished with cream for a rich texture.

Can I make chicken and wild rice soup in advance?

Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. Flavors often improve after resting. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Amazing Chicken and Wild Rice Soup for Cozy Nights Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 112 reviews

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts simmered with a nutty wild rice blend and fresh vegetables in a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this soup combines flavors of sautéed aromatics, savory chicken, and rich cream for a satisfying meal that warms the soul.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Proteins & Grains

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup wild rice blend (long-grain brown rice and wild rice)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Others

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic fragrance.
2. Cook the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and brown on all sides, sealing in the juices and enhancing flavor.
3. Add Rice & Broth: Pour in the wild rice blend and the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender.
4. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, mixing well into the soup.
5. Creamy Goodness (Optional): If desired, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream to add richness and a silky texture to the soup.
6. Final Seasoning & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt or fresh herbs as preferred. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or herbs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• You can customize the vegetables or substitute leftover turkey for chicken.
• To enhance flavor, toast the wild rice briefly before adding the broth.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F to avoid drying out.
• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding broth to restore creaminess if needed.
• Adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or spinach can elevate the flavor and nutrition.

Keywords: Chicken soup, wild rice soup, comforting soup, creamy chicken soup, hearty soup, healthy dinner, easy dinner recipes