Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a cozy, creamy dish that combines tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and hearty vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for chilly days or when you need something wholesome and satisfying. This one-pot meal is filling, easy to make, and great for leftovers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighswild rice (uncooked)onioncarrotscelerygarlicbutter or olive oilchicken brothheavy cream or milkflour (for thickening)thymeparsleysaltblack pepperbay leaf

directions

Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.

Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Slowly add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.

Add raw wild rice, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Place chicken into the pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.

Stir in cream or milk and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCook time: 1 hourTotal time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken to reduce prep time.

Add mushrooms for extra depth and umami.

Make it dairy-free with coconut milk or a roux-free broth version.

Add a splash of white wine when sautéing the veggies for more flavor.

Use a wild rice blend if pure wild rice isn’t available.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.Add a little broth or milk when reheating if the soup thickens.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, just add it in during the final simmering step.

Does wild rice need to be cooked first?

No, it cooks in the soup and adds flavor to the broth.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for thickening.

What type of cream should I use?

Heavy cream is best, but half-and-half or milk also work.

Is this soup very thick?

It’s creamy but not overly thick—adjust with more broth or cream as needed.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4, adding cream at the end.

Can I skip the cream?

Yes, it will still be flavorful with just broth.

What can I serve with it?

Crusty bread, biscuits, or a side salad are great pairings.

Can I use a rice blend?

Yes, just adjust cooking time as needed.

Will the rice absorb all the liquid?

Over time, yes—add more broth when reheating if necessary.

Conclusion

Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a classic, soul-warming dish perfect for cozy dinners and make-ahead meals. With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and rich flavors, it’s a comforting bowl of goodness that always satisfies. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on regular rotation all season long.