Description
A rich, cozy, and nourishing Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup made with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, aromatic vegetables, and a luxuriously creamy broth. Perfect for cold days or whenever you need a comforting bowl of homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 7 tbsp butter, diced and divided
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 4 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp dried marjoram
- 1/4 tsp dried sage
- 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Optional: fresh parsley or dill
- Optional: mushrooms or spinach
- Optional: crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Cook the wild rice according to the package directions until tender, about 45 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 4 minutes until tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and add the chicken breasts. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–16 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and let cool for 5 minutes before shredding into small pieces.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter. Add flour and whisk for 1 1/2 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk, then heavy cream, whisking continuously until thickened.
- Stir the thickened cream mixture into the soup pot along with the shredded chicken, cooked wild rice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
- Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
- Frozen vegetables can speed up prep time.
- Half-and-half can replace milk and cream for a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: creamy chicken wild rice soup, chicken soup recipe, comfort food soup, winter soup, hearty chicken soup