Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with a bit of salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the chicken as they add extra flavor to the soup.
Step 2: Add the Rice and Broth
- Add the wild rice blend to the pot, stirring it into the vegetables for a minute. Then add the dried thyme, rosemary, and sage, letting the herbs become fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and return the chicken pieces to the pot. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the wild rice is tender. This slow simmer allows the rice to absorb all the flavors and gives the soup a hearty consistency.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until smooth and golden. This roux will thicken the soup and add a slight nuttiness.
- Slowly pour in the milk or half-and-half, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. If you’re going for extra creaminess, add the heavy cream as well.
- Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
- Pour the creamy mixture into the soup pot, stirring well to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a dash of thyme or rosemary if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with warm, crusty bread or a side of garlic butter rolls. This rich, hearty soup also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Wild Rice Choice: A wild rice blend offers a mix of textures and flavors, but pure wild rice adds a deeper, earthier flavor. Both work well!
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Adding the chicken back after the initial browning helps it stay tender without overcooking.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with a dairy-free option like coconut milk or almond milk. For thickness, add a slurry of cornstarch and water instead of the flour roux.
Variations
- Mushroom Add-In: Add sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onions for an extra layer of earthy flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Throw in a handful of spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for added nutrients.
- Cajun Twist: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the vegetables for a spicy, Southern-inspired version of the soup.
Storing and Reheating
- To Store: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a cozy, satisfying dish that’s easy to make and even easier to fall in love with. It’s perfect for cold evenings, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving a creamy, comforting bowl of soup. With tender chicken, hearty rice, and a creamy base, this soup has all the flavors and textures to become a new favorite.
Enjoy every warm, flavorful spoonful!