Imagine the comforting aroma of Chicken Wild Rice Soup wafting through your kitchen, filling the air with warmth and the scent of savory herbs.
This simple yet indulgent soup is a staple for cozy nights, effortlessly coming together with wholesome ingredients.
As wild rice simmers and tender chicken melds with vibrant vegetables, a bowl of hearty goodness transforms.
Let’s bring this delicious, soul-soothing dish to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing Chicken Wild Rice Soup, here’s a suggested timeline that includes prep work, cooking activities, and additional time for reading the recipe:
Timeline for Chicken Wild Rice Soup
- Reading and Setup (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- 0:00 – 5:00: Rinse the wild rice and set it aside.
- 5:00 – 10:00: Dice the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, and onion.
- 10:00 – 12:00: Mince the garlic.
- 12:00 – 15:00: Measure out the chicken broth, olive oil, heavy cream, and spices.
- Cooking (45 minutes)
- 15:00 – 17:00: Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.
- 17:00 – 22:00: Add diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 22:00 – 30:00: Add diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened.
- 30:00 – 32:00: Add the rinsed wild rice and stir to combine.
- 32:00 – 35:00: Pour in chicken broth and add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- 35:00 – 40:00: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- 40:00 – 70:00: Cover and cook for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- 70:00 – 72:00: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and heat through.
- 72:00 – 77:00: Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Resting and Serving (10 minutes)
- 77:00 – 87:00: Remove the pot from heat and allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
Add the rinsed wild rice to the pot and stir to combine.
Pour in the chicken broth, and add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and heat through.
Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Pair with a warm, crusty loaf for dipping and soaking up the rich, creamy broth.
- Mixed Green Salad: Serve alongside a fresh salad for a light, invigorating contrast to the hearty soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Complement the soup with a gooey, melty grilled cheese for a classic, comforting combination.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Crackers: Offer a selection of crackers for a crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy soup.
Storage
To store Chicken Wild Rice Soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Chicken Wild Rice Soup, allow it to cool completely.
Then, transfer it to airtight containers.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Chicken Wild Rice Soup, gently warm it on the stove over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave it in a covered dish.
Stir midway to guarantee even heating.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any time of the year.
With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a family favorite.
By following the simple steps outlined in the recipe, you can create a delicious homemade soup that rivals any restaurant version.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional vegetables or seasonings to make the soup your own.
Enjoy this warm and satisfying meal with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Wild Rice?
You can definitely swap wild rice for brown rice, but remember to adjust your cooking time since brown rice cooks faster. Keep an eye on texture. Present it beautifully by garnishing with fresh herbs for added color.
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Make certain you stir thoroughly for a smooth texture. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs to enhance presentation, and use homemade broth for richer flavor. Enjoy your creation!
Is It Possible to Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
You can absolutely use leftover rotisserie chicken. Shred it and add it in step 9. This saves time and enhances flavor. Confirm the presentation is appealing by keeping chicken pieces consistent and evenly distributed.
What Herbs Can I Substitute for Thyme and Parsley?
You can substitute thyme with rosemary or oregano for a robust flavor. Use basil or cilantro instead of parsley to add a fresh twist. Balance these herbs carefully to maintain a harmonious and visually appealing presentation.
Can I Cook This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Sauté the chicken and vegetables first. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream during the last 30 minutes.
Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup wild rice rinsed
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add the rinsed wild rice to the pot and stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and heat through.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
