Description
This chicken and wild rice soup is a hearty and creamy comfort dish, brimming with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Ideal for chilly days or as a satisfying make-ahead meal, it’s a classic American soup that soothes and delights.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
Broth and Rice
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
Protein and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
Thickening and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the base: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat to create a flavorful base for the soup.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot; sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Add herbs and garlic: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary; cook for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Add broth and rice: Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked wild rice blend to the pot.
- Simmer rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender.
- Add chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded or diced chicken and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm through.
- Incorporate dairy: Pour in the milk or half-and-half and stir well to combine.
- Thicken the soup (optional): If a thicker consistency is desired, whisk the all-purpose flour with ¼ cup water until smooth, then stir it into the soup.
- Simmer to thicken: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice; patience is key for tender results.
- Using rotisserie chicken adds convenience and depth of flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms for extra earthiness and texture.
- Soup tends to thicken upon cooling; add extra broth while reheating to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
