It was a cold evening, and I wanted something warm. The weather was gloomy, and I craved a cozy bowl of soup. That’s when I thought of making a cream of chicken soup with wild rice.
This soup would have tender chicken and wild rice. It sounded perfect. I was excited to start.
In 20 minutes, I made a creamy wild rice soup. It was filled with fresh veggies and had a creamy feel. The smell of the soup filled my home. It was a treat for my body and soul.
Introduction to Creamy Comfort Food
Cream of Chicken Soup with Wild Rice is a classic comfort food. It warms both body and soul. This creamy soup is loved for its rich flavors and hearty texture.
It’s a favorite for families on cold evenings. Every spoonful feels like a cozy hug. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner.
The mix of wild rice and tender chicken is amazing. Each bite is satisfying. That’s why it’s a top choice in my kitchen.
It not only feeds us but also comforts us. Making this dish makes any meal special. It shows the true beauty of creamy comfort food.
What Makes Cream of Chicken Soup with Wild Rice Unique?
The mix of hearty chicken soup and wild rice is special. The creamy broth and wild rice’s chewy texture make each bite great. Wild rice adds sweet, earthy flavors that make this soup stand out.
Texture and Flavor Contrast
The soup’s creaminess goes well with wild rice’s nutty taste. Wild rice’s chewy outside and smooth soup inside are a nice mix. This makes every spoonful a special treat.
Benefits of Using Wild Rice
Wild rice adds flavor and health benefits to my soup. It’s full of fiber and protein, better than regular noodles. This makes my soup a healthy and tasty choice.
Ingredients Needed for a Hearty Soup
Making a tasty soup starts with the right ingredients. For my creamy chicken and rice soup, I choose fresh and flavorful items. These are the key ingredients that make the soup rich and satisfying.
Essential Ingredients
- 2.5 – 3 cups of chopped or shredded chicken
- 6 cups of chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup of uncooked wild rice
- 1/2 cup of butter for thickening
- 2 cups of milk or milk alternative
- 1/2 cup of gluten-free flour (if needed)
- Vegetables: carrots, celery, and onions, depending on your preference
This mix gives the soup a creamy feel. The wild rice adds a fun chewiness. Each bowl has about 472 calories, making it a filling meal.
Substitutions for Dietary Preferences
To meet different dietary needs, I make a few changes. For a lighter soup, use low-fat milk or almond milk. If you want fewer carbs, try cauliflower rice. Gluten-free flour is great for those avoiding gluten.
Using leftover chicken or turkey boosts flavor and cuts down on waste. It keeps the soup’s cozy feel.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cream of Chicken Soup with Wild Rice
This easy stove-top soup recipe makes 5 servings. It takes about an hour to make. Follow this guide to make a warm, hearty meal that everyone will love.
- Prepare the Wild Rice: Rinse 3/4 cup of uncooked wild rice blend under cold water. Cook it as the package says, usually 40-50 minutes.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté 1 cup of chopped onion, 1 cup of diced carrots, and 1 cup of diced celery until they’re soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add 1 large minced garlic clove and cook for another minute.
- Create the Roux: Add 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pot and melt it. Stir in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour until it’s well mixed, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the Broth: Whisk in 4 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth slowly. Make sure there are no lumps. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast halves. Add 1/4 teaspoon each of dried thyme, marjoram, sage, and rosemary. Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
- Simmer the Mixture: Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot.
- Finish with Creaminess: Add in the prepared wild rice, 1 1/2 cups of milk, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and let the soup heat through for another 5-10 minutes.
Serve this creamy soup with warm bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting aroma as it fills your kitchen!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wild rice blend (uncooked) | 3/4 cup |
| Chopped onion | 1 cup (1 small) |
| Diced carrots | 1 cup (2 medium) |
| Diced celery | 1 cup (3 ribs) |
| Unsalted butter | 7 tablespoons |
| Minced garlic | 1 large clove |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 4 1/2 cups |
| Dried herbs (thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary) | 1/4 teaspoon each |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb |
Preparing the Wild Rice Blend
To start, I measure out 3/4 cup of uncooked wild rice. Cooking this rice is key to my soup’s flavor. It takes about 45 minutes, using Lundberg Wild Blend for a special taste.
The rice’s nutty smell fills the kitchen. It’s great for my healthy cooking because it adds nutrients and texture. Cooking it separately keeps its texture nice and different from the soup.
When the rice is done, I set it aside. This step makes my soup a complete, healthy meal. It’s perfect for any day.
| Ingredient | Amount | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Rice | 3/4 cup uncooked | 45 minutes |
| Chopped Yellow Onion | 1 cup (1 small) | 15 minutes |
| Diced Carrots | 1 cup (2 medium) | 15 minutes |
| Diced Celery | 1 cup (3 ribs) | 15 minutes |
| Butter | 7 tablespoons, divided | 15 minutes |
| Garlic | 1 large clove (1 1/2 teaspoons minced) | 2 minutes |
| Low-Sodium Chicken Broth | 4 1/2 cups | 40-45 minutes |
| Dried Herbs | 1/4 teaspoon each of thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary | Throughout cooking |
How to Make the Creamy Base
Making a rich and creamy base is key for a tasty wild rice soup. First, we make a roux. Then, we add dairy for the perfect texture. Let’s dive into these steps.
Creating the Roux
Start by melting butter and flour in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden. This step thickens the soup and adds a nutty flavor.
Incorporating Dairy for Creaminess
After the roux is ready, slowly add 6 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of half and half or heavy cream. This makes the soup thick and creamy. You can add more dairy to make it creamier, so it tastes just right.
Cooking the Vegetables and Chicken
To make a tasty soup, start by cooking the ingredients right. I melt 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big pot. Then, I add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 medium diced carrots, and 3 ribs of diced celery.
Sautéing these veggies for 4 to 5 minutes makes them soft. This lets their flavors and smells come out. Next, I add 4 minced garlic cloves for more flavor in the last 30 seconds.
Now, it’s time to add the chicken. I use about 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. This chicken is seasoned and saves time.
After the veggies are soft, I add 6 cans of low-sodium chicken stock and 1 cup of white wine. This makes the broth rich and tasty. It’s perfect for my soup ideas.
Then, I mix in the chicken and let it simmer until it’s fully cooked. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It keeps the chicken moist and blends its flavor with the broth and veggies.
Combining Ingredients for the Perfect Soup
Making a hearty chicken soup is more than just cooking. It’s when all the ingredients mix together that magic happens. This is when the flavors blend perfectly.
Once everything is ready, add the cooked rice. Then, add the final touches that make it special. This step is key for layering flavors, making sure every bite is full of taste.
Stirring in the Cooked Rice
Start by adding cooked wild rice to the pot. It adds a nice texture and nutty flavor. The wild rice makes the soup hearty and tasty.
Stir gently so everything blends well together.
The Importance of Seasoning
Seasoning is very important at this stage. Use thyme, sage, salt, and pepper to boost the flavor. Taste as you go to get the perfect balance.
This is when you add the final touches. It makes your soup a family favorite.
Serving Suggestions for Your Soup
Serving my cream of chicken soup with wild rice hot is the best. I add fresh herbs like parsley or chives. They add color and flavor.
I often serve the soup with crusty bread. A warm baguette or sourdough is perfect. Or, a light salad with tangy vinaigrette is a great choice.
This soup is great for gatherings or family weekends. It’s creamy and comforting. Enjoy it as a starter or main course, it’s perfect for any time.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Soup
Leftover soup is great for enjoying later. It’s important to store it right to keep the taste. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh in the fridge.
You can eat it for up to three days. If you won’t eat it in three days, freeze it. It can stay good for three months in the freezer.
Best Practices for Refrigeration
Let the soup cool before putting it in a container. This stops it from getting watery. Always label the container with the date.
Storing it in small portions makes reheating easy. This is a smart meal prep tactic. It lets you have a quick meal anytime.
Reheating Tips to Maintain Flavor and Texture
Reheat the soup on low heat, stirring often. This keeps it creamy. Don’t boil it, as it can ruin the soup.
If you’re in a rush, the microwave is fast. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring between. Enjoying a warm bowl of soup is the best.
Exploring Variations of the Creamy Soup Recipe
Making a tasty soup is fun when I can try new things. This creamy soup can be changed to fit my taste. I might add mushrooms, spinach, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Want to make your soup even better? Try different herbs and spices. Fresh basil or cilantro can make it brighter. Or, you can use turkey instead of chicken or add shrimp for a seafood twist.
Every time I try something new, I get to enjoy new tastes. But I always keep the creamy soup feeling. This makes soup time always exciting.
Why This Soup is Ideal for Cozy Evenings
On a chilly evening, nothing beats a warm bowl of Cream of Chicken Soup with Wild Rice. It’s the perfect cozy dinner. This soup fills your stomach and warms your heart.
It provides a much-needed refuge from the cold outside. With its creamy rich base and delightful chunks of chicken, it brings a sense of home. It makes every gathering feel special.
What I love most about this soup is its balance of flavors and textures. The wild rice adds a pleasant chewiness. It contrasts beautifully with the velvety broth.
It’s a dish that can be easily prepared in about 55 minutes. It yields 10 servings—perfect for inviting friends over or enjoying leftovers through the week. Each bowl offers 212 calories, making it a nourishing option that satisfies while keeping it light.
Whether you’re wrapping up a long day or hosting a cozy get-together, this soup delivers hearty warmth and comfort. The blend of aromatic vegetables, lean chicken, and creamy half-and-half creates a delightful experience with every spoonful.
So, the next time you’re in search of warm meal ideas, remember that this comforting soup can turn an ordinary evening into something truly special.
