When it comes to cozy comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a big bowl of Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup. This hearty, soul-warming dish features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, nutty wild rice, and rich cream—all simmered together to create a luxuriously creamy texture that wraps you up like your favorite blanket. Whether you’re craving something to warm you up on a chilly evening or searching for a crowd-pleasing lunch, Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into something just a little bit special.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The lineup for this soup is pleasantly simple and full of everyday staples, but each ingredient brings something important to the table. From the fragrant herbs to the luxurious splash of cream, every addition helps create the signature flavor, texture, and inviting color you expect from Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup.

Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables for a delicious base.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Combines with the butter to prevent burning and lends a subtle fruity flavor.
Onion, diced (1 small): Gives a savory sweetness that forms the backbone of the soup’s flavor.
Carrots, peeled and sliced (2): Bring sweetness and a dash of color to every spoonful.
Celery stalks, sliced (2): Add a gentle crunch and classic soup aroma.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the broth with irresistible aromatic depth.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy, woodsy notes for balanced seasoning.
Dried rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a piney, fragrant undertone that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and gentle spice throughout the soup.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the lovely flavors in the pot.
All-purpose flour (1/3 cup): Thickens the soup for that ultra-creamy finish.
Chicken broth (6 cups): Forms the robust, savory liquid base of the soup.
Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie works great, making things quick and easy.
Wild rice blend, uncooked (1 cup): Adds chewiness, nuttiness, and character.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Delivers the signature creamy texture we all adore.
Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the cream while keeping everything velvety smooth.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brings a pop of freshness and color when serving.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter and olive oil together in a big soup pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything softens and smells incredibly fragrant. This cozy mix forms the backbone of our Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup—and when your kitchen starts to smell amazing, you know you’re on the right track!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Throw in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for just a minute, so the garlic and herbs release their full fragrance without turning bitter. This step lays down that signature, herb-layered flavor you look for in a great bowl of homemade soup.

Step 3: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle the flour directly over the softened veggies and give it a good stir. You want all the vegetables to get coated, and then let the mixture cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste, while creating the groundwork for the soup’s comforting, creamy texture.

Step 4: Add Broth and Wild Rice

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once the broth is in, add your wild rice blend. Turn up the heat and bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 to 50 minutes. The wild rice needs this time to cook through and become wonderfully chewy, adding heartiness and depth to your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup.

Step 5: Stir in Chicken and Cream

Once the rice is fully tender, add the shredded chicken, heavy cream, and milk. Give it a good stir so all the flavors marry together. Let the soup cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, just until everything is warmed through and luxuriously creamy. Taste, adjust any seasonings as you like, and get ready for the best part!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. This little touch gives your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup a bright, fresh finish and makes every bowl look as inviting as it tastes. Serve right away while everything is piping hot and irresistibly fragrant.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate what a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can do here—it instantly brightens the appearance and gives a bit of herbal freshness to each spoonful. For extra flavor, you can also add cracked black pepper or a handful of grated Parmesan right before serving. The key is to keep it simple, letting the natural beauty and richness of Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup shine through.

Side Dishes

This soup loves company! A thick slice of rustic sourdough or a buttery Parker House roll is perfect for dunking and soaking up every drop. A simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette can lighten the plate, or you can go all-in on comfort with a side of oven-warm cornbread. There’s no wrong answer with a meal this heartwarming.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup in bread bowls to wow your guests. If you’re aiming for a cozy family night, bring the pot straight to the table and let everyone ladle their own. For lunchboxes, fill up thermoses and pack some crackers or homemade soft pretzels alongside for an extra-special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed your fill, let any remaining soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days. Be aware that Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup naturally thickens in the fridge, so you may want to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring back that perfect creamy consistency.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, making it an ideal meal prep option! For best results, let it cool completely and store in individual containers, leaving a bit of room at the top for expansion. While the creamy base may sometimes separate during freezing, a quick stir while reheating helps bring everything back together. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pour the soup into a pot over low to medium heat, adding extra broth or milk if it seems too thick. Stir gently until fully heated through—do not let it boil, as this can cause the cream to break. If you’re reheating just a bowl, the microwave works beautifully as well. Stir halfway through and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time saver and adds wonderful flavor. Just shred it and stir it in at the end as directed.

What’s the best wild rice blend for Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

Any wild rice or wild rice blend will work well, but look for one that combines classic wild rice with brown or long grain rice to add different textures and nuttiness. Avoid quick-cooking blends for the best bite.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment!

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half is a wonderful lighter alternative. You can even use evaporated milk for a creaminess boost while lowering the fat content slightly. Just keep in mind the soup will be a little less rich and thick.

Does the wild rice need to be cooked before adding?

There’s no need to pre-cook the wild rice; simply add it uncooked to the soup as the recipe instructs. It will soften and infuse the broth with lovely flavor as it simmers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that tastes like a warm hug, I can’t recommend Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup highly enough. It’s the sort of meal that brings people together and turns a regular night into a memorable one. So grab your favorite soup pot, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of the ultimate comfort. Your kitchen (and your family or friends) will thank you!

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort with this creamy chicken wild rice soup. Loaded with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a luscious creamy broth, this soup is perfect for cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetable Base:

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Roux and Broth:

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups chicken broth

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Create Roux: Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir to coat, and cook to eliminate raw flour taste.
Add Broth and Rice: Pour in chicken broth, add wild rice, and bring to a boil; simmer until rice is tender.
Finish Soup: Stir in chicken, heavy cream, and milk. Simmer until heated through and creamy.
Adjust and Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

To save time, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
This soup thickens upon standing; add more broth or milk when reheating if desired.
For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American