The Ultimate Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Nothing beats a hot cup of chicken and wild rice soup when the temperature drops. The creamy broth enhances the flavor of the tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and vegetable medley in this wholesome and satisfying recipe. Everyone in the family is guaranteed to love this soup recipe, whether it’s for a hearty lunch or a cozy evening. What follows is a detailed breakdown of how to make this delicious meal.
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Ingredients
To make this mouth-watering wild rice and chicken soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
Start by preparing the wild rice according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves rinsing the rice and simmering it in water for about 40-45 minutes until tender. While the rice cooks, chop the vegetables and chicken.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink on the outside, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Then, add the cooked wild rice to the pot. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finally, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the soup is heated through.
Serving
Ladle the chicken and wild rice soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.
Nutrition Facts
For those keeping track of their nutrition, here’s a rough breakdown per serving:
Nutrition Facts | |
one serving | |
Calories: | 350 |
Total Fat: | 15g |
Saturated Fat: | 1.7g |
Cholesterol: | 30mg |
Sodium: | 1g |
Total Carbohydrates: | 35g |
Dietary Fiber: | 3.2g |
Sugars: | 3g |
Protein: | 20g |
Tips and Variations
- Make it gluten-free by making sure the other ingredients and your chicken broth are gluten-free by certification.
- You can add more vegetables: For more nutrients, feel free to add peas, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Replace the cream: You can use milk or half-and-half in place of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Utilize leftover chicken: This recipe is a fantastic method to make use of any leftover turkey or roasted chicken.
Conclusion
A satisfying and easy-to-make chicken wild rice soup is ready in no time. In a flash, you can whip up a satisfying supper using this recipe. To make it uniquely yours, try experimenting with various components. This traditional dish is ideal for any occasion because it is both comforting and nourishing.