Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

If you’re anything like me, a comforting bowl of soup is the ultimate hug on a chilly day. That’s exactly why this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites. It’s rich, silky, and loaded with tender chicken and hearty wild rice—everything you want when you’re craving that warm, cozy feeling without fussing over a complicated dish.

This soup is not just delicious; it’s practical too. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something special to impress friends, you’ll enjoy how this recipe comes together with straightforward ingredients and steps. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep a pot simmering on your stove all season long!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe really shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create that perfect bowl of comfort. Grab fresh produce, quality chicken, and the special fast-cook wild rice to make sure you nail it every time.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Using boneless, skinless cuts makes cooking and shredding easy while keeping the soup tender.
• Kinders The Blend Seasoning (or garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper): This seasoning mix packs flavor without needing multiple herbs on hand.
• Avocado oil: A neutral oil perfect for searing chicken without overpowering other flavors.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and helps build a flavorful roux to thicken the soup.
• Yellow onion, carrots, celery: Classic mirepoix veggies lend sweetness and texture, creating a foundation for the soup’s depth.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings warmth and a slight bite that balances the creamy broth.
• All-purpose flour: This thickens the soup gently and blends beautifully with butter for a smooth finish.
• Chicken broth: A savory base that ties all the ingredients together with umami goodness.
• Heavy cream: The secret to the soup’s creamy, indulgent texture without heaviness.
• Ben’s Original Long Grain and Wild Rice (fast cook variety): Using this quick-cooking rice saves time and delivers that delightful chewy texture to the soup.
• Salt and pepper: To season perfectly at the end—you’ll adjust based on your taste.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe, and you should too! It’s a great base to customize depending on what you’re in the mood for or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to add your own twist—that’s part of the fun.

• Variation: I sometimes swap chicken thighs for breasts because they stay extra juicy and add more depth to the broth.
• Dairy-free tweak: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream to make it suitable for dairy-free diets.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and add hearty mushrooms plus vegetable broth for a tasty, meatless take.
• Boost flavor: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end for an herbaceous pop that brightens the soup.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

First things first, season your chicken well with Kinders The Blend or your favorite combo of garlic and onion powder with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy here—this gets the flavor started right! Heat avocado oil over medium heat in a large pot, then cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove it from the pot and set aside—later you’ll chop or shred it to fold back into the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Using the same pot (because hello, flavor!), add a tablespoon of butter then throw in diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery. Let these soften over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the veggies smell sweet and tender, add minced garlic and cook just a minute more so it doesn’t burn—garlic can turn bitter fast if you’re not careful!

Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Liquids

Stir in the rest of the butter, letting it melt completely, then sprinkle in the flour. Cook this for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and impart that lovely cooked flavor. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring, making sure everything combines smoothly and the mixture starts thickening. This base gives the soup its signature creamy texture.

Step 4: Add Wild Rice and Chicken

Now it’s time to add both boxes of the quick-cook wild rice along with the seasoning packets inside. Toss in your chicken pieces too and stir everything together. The rice will soak up the delicious broth as it cooks, giving you that comforting, hearty texture. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes—or until the rice is tender and the soup thickened. Don’t forget to stir every now and then to keep things from sticking.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Finally, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste—this step is key for balanced flavor. Serve your Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe piping hot and snuggle up with a spoonful of goodness.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I’m a fan of fresh chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled on top—they add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens each spoonful. Sometimes I’ll add a little shredded sharp cheddar cheese or crispy crumbled bacon if I’m in the mood for something extra indulgent.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with rustic crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough for dipping. I also love serving it alongside a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting, I like to serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out sourdough rounds for a fun, cozy presentation. You can also ladle it into pretty mugs for casual gatherings—it’s a great way to make everyone feel at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I usually let mine cool completely before refrigerating to keep it tasting fresh. Just know the rice will continue to absorb liquid, so don’t be surprised if it thickens up!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully by letting it cool, then portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It holds up well, though I recommend reheating gently on the stove to avoid separating the cream. Keep some extra broth handy to stir in if it thickens too much.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the soup slowly on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. This helps keep the cream from curdling and allows you to add extra broth or cream if needed to get that perfect creamy consistency back.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe that makes it a keeper in my kitchen. It’s one of those dishes you can feel good about feeding your family or sharing with friends on a cozy evening. Give it a try—you might just find yourself stirring a pot of this goodness week after week, just like me!

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