Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
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As the weather cools down, there’s nothing more comforting than a cozy bowl of creamy chicken and wild rice soup. It’s the ultimate fall and winter weeknight dinner — hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those chilly nights when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. You can make it with chicken or use leftover turkey after Thanksgiving for an easy seasonal twist.
The wild rice gives this soup a rich, nutty texture that makes every bite feel extra nourishing and homemade. Save this recipe — it’s one of the best cold-weather comfort foods to keep on repeat all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and minimal effort, it’s perfect for weeknights when you need dinner fast.
- Comforting and Cozy: The creamy broth, tender chicken, and hearty wild rice make this the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings.
- Packed with Flavor: The blend of garlic, thyme, and fresh parsley adds layers of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
- Hearty but Light: Despite being rich and creamy, this soup won’t leave you feeling too heavy—it’s filling without overdoing it.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find at the grocery store, and you probably already have most of it on hand!
Ingredients Needed To Make This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Cooked chicken, cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Large onion, diced
- Celery, diced
- Carrots, sliced
- Mushrooms, roughly chopped
- Chicken stock
- Ralston Farms Nature’s Blend Rice
- Heavy cream
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Thyme leaves
- Olive oil
How To Make This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onions and celery until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add mushrooms, carrots, and seasonings, then cook until the mushrooms soften.
- Pour in chicken stock and add the rice. Let everything cook until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the chicken, cream, and any remaining ingredients. Simmer for a bit longer.
- Serve the soup warm and enjoy!
Variations, Tips, and Substitutions
- You can use turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor and texture. It’s a great way to use up leftover holiday turkey!
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock for a lighter broth.
- For added depth of flavor, consider throwing in some spinach or kale just before serving. They wilt beautifully and boost the nutrition.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables like peas or corn for a pop of color and sweetness.
- If you want a bit more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice for this soup?
Yes, you can substitute the wild rice with another variety, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Wild rice adds a nice chewy texture, but white or brown rice will also work well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. The flavors tend to get even better as it sits!
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a little extra broth or cream if it’s thickened up too much after being stored.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken thighs will work perfectly in this recipe! Just make sure they’re fully cooked and cubed before adding them to the soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the soup a day or two ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Equipment
- 1 stockpot
Video
Ingredients
- 2 Cups cooked chicken cubed, (I like using a rotisserie chicken)
- 1 Large onion diced
- 1 ½ cups celery diced
- 1 ½ cups carrots sliced
- 8 Oz mushrooms, roughly chopped
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 1 Cup Ralston Farms Nature's Blend Rice or your favorite wild rice
- 1 ½ cups Heavy cream
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- ½ tsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp Thyme Leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Place a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil, diced onion, and diced celery.
- Sauté vegetables: Sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Cook mushrooms and season: Add the mushrooms, carrots, salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, and additional pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are soft.
- Add stock and rice: Pour in the chicken stock and add the rice. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
- Finish and simmer: Add the remaining ingredients and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Once done, serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Dairy Free Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Cut your chicken into even bite sized pieces. This will allow them to cook evenly and fast.
- Allow your pot to fully heat before adding your chicken. You’re looking to brown the outside and develop that first layer of flavor.
- Sauté your mirepoix, or onions, celery, and carrots, until tender.
- Add your remaining ingredients. Depending on which brand of wild rice mix you use, the cooking time may be a little longer or a little less. The nutty wild rice will remain a little toothsome, but you want it to be tender.
- Serve with your favorite soup side kicks. Gluten Free cracker, bread, or just an extra flourish of chopped parsley are all that this needs to make a complete meal. This also makes a great meal prep dish as soup is even better the next day.
Nutrition
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. It’s comforting, satisfying, and always hits the spot when I need a little pick-me-up. I love how easy it is to whip up, making it perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try—you won’t regret having this deliciousness in your life!
