Introduction to 7-Ingredient Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Cozy up with the ultimate creamy chicken and wild rice soup, a comforting classic perfect for chilly days and family dinners. This rich and hearty soup combines tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and a velvety creamy broth infused with aromatic herbs. Inspired by American home-cooking traditions, this creamy chicken and wild rice soup recipe balances convenience and nutrition, offering soul-soothing warmth in every bowl.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving guests on a cozy night in, this creamy chicken and wild rice soup recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delightful enough for experienced cooks. Let’s explore what makes this soup an all-time favorite and learn how to master it in your kitchen.
7-Ingredient Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor — ready in under an hour!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked wild rice blend (about 1 cup uncooked)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or substitute
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms or frozen peas
Instructions:
- Cook wild rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until softened, 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in flour to coat the vegetables and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth gradually, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
- Add cubed chicken, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in cooked wild rice, cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Optional: add mushrooms or peas, cook 5 minutes more.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Why This Recipe Works
This creamy chicken and wild rice soup combines the nutty texture of wild rice with tender chicken and a creamy broth thickened by a simple roux. The blend of herbs adds aromatic depth while the recipe’s flexibility caters to various dietary preferences and makes it a perfect comfort soup.
Equipment Needed
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven (slow cooker or Instant Pot optional)
- Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook wild rice: Rinse and cook wild rice blend as per package directions, drain and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Melt butter in pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic; cook 5-7 mins until softened.
- Cook chicken: Add chicken cubes; cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add herbs & flour: Stir in thyme & rosemary. Sprinkle flour evenly, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to form roux.
- Add broth: Slowly whisk in chicken broth, eliminating lumps. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in rice: Add cooked wild rice. Simmer additional 10 minutes to marry flavors.
- Add cream & seasoning: Stir in cream. Season with salt and pepper. Heat gently; do not boil.
- Optional mix-ins: Stir mushrooms or peas and cook until warmed through.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Prevent curdling: Add cream off heat and warm gently before serving.
- Adjust thickness: For a thicker soup, simmer longer or whisk in cornstarch slurry.
- Flavor boost: Fresh herbs offer more aroma, but dried is convenient.
- Reheating: Gently reheat and add broth if soup thickens too much.
Recipe Variations
| Variation | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Keto Version | Use cauliflower rice instead of wild rice, and use full-fat cream | Follow steps as usual, omit flour or substitute with almond flour. |
| Dairy-Free | Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream | Use dairy-free cream and broth, proceed as normal. |
| Slow Cooker | Combine ingredients (except cream) in slow cooker, cook 6–8 hours on low | Add cream before serving, stir well. |
Quiz: Are You a Soup Aficionado?
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Frequently Asked Questions
-
What type of rice is best for this soup?
A wild rice blend found in most grocery stores works well, but pure wild rice offers a nuttier flavor.
Can I make this creamy chicken and wild rice soup dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream to make this recipe dairy-free.
How long can I store the soup?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently.
Is this soup freezer friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Comfort Soup
This creamy chicken and wild rice soup is more than a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy nights and special occasions alike, it’s a versatile recipe that you’ll return to again and again.
Give this soul-warming classic a try and make it your family’s favorite. Don’t forget to share your experience and variations in the comments below!
This recipe is the bees knees! Its like comfort food got a fancy degree – simple enough for me, yet gourmet enough to impress my cat. The step-by-step is a lifesaver, especially when my kitchen skills are performing a graceful dance of disaster. Who knew 7 ingredients could create such a magical pot of warmth? Definitely trying the coconut cream version next – because why not embrace the dairy-free life with a spoonful of creaminess? Thanks for the laugh-out-loud guide to soup-making, this is my new obsession! 🍲😄
Absolutely loved this recipe! The soup turned out creamy and hearty just like I dreamed, and my picky eater even asked for seconds. The step-by-step guide was a lifesaver, especially when mixing the flour—no lumps here! P.S. The slow cooker version saved my lazy days. Definitely sharing this with my friends! 🍲😄
This recipe is just the ticket for when I want something hearty but dont feel like cooking too hard! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, though maybe my cat thinks its a suspiciously tall human invention. The step-by-step is great for the soup-challenged, like myself sometimes. Definitely trying the coconut cream variation next – cant wait to see if my plant-based pals approve! Sharing this masterpiece, though my kitchen might just be smelling like a fancy chicken-and-rice dream for a bit. 🍳🌿
This recipe is the bees knees! Its like comfort food got a fancy degree – simple enough for me, yet gourmet enough to impress my cat. The step-by-step is a lifesaver, especially when my kitchen skills are performing a graceful dance of disaster. Who knew 7 ingredients could create such a magical pot of warmth? Definitely trying the coconut cream version next – because why not embrace the dairy-free life with a spoonful of creaminess? Thanks for the laugh-out loud guide to soup making, this is my new obsession! 🍲😄