Amazing Chicken and Wild Rice Soup for Cozy Nights Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Creamy Goodness (Optional): If desired, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream to add richness and a silky texture to the soup.
- 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
