Name: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded; 3/4 cup wild rice or wild rice blend (uncooked); 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 4 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chopped parsley or fresh herbs for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, comforting, and nourishing
Loaded with protein and fiber from chicken and wild rice
A one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
Feels like a hug in a bowl

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
Wild rice (or a wild rice blend), uncooked
Carrots, diced
Celery, diced
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Butter
All-purpose flour (for thickening)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Dried thyme and bay leaf
Optional: parsley or fresh herbs for garnish

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and sauté onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the uncooked wild rice, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes, or until rice is tender.
While the soup is simmering, prepare a roux in a separate saucepan by melting butter and whisking in flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the cream and continue cooking until thickened.
Once the rice is tender, stir in the shredded chicken and the cream mixture.
Simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50–60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken to save time
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option
Add mushrooms for extra depth and earthiness
Make it gluten-free by using a cornstarch slurry instead of flour
Stir in spinach or kale at the end for added greens
Add a splash of white wine for a touch of acidity and flavor

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally
Microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through
Freeze for up to 2 months (note: the cream may separate slightly upon reheating—stir well to recombine)

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking or mushiness.

What type of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie, baked, or poached chicken breasts or thighs all work well.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, adding the cream mixture at the end.

How do I thicken the soup without flour?

Use a cornstarch slurry or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for natural thickness.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, use olive oil instead of butter and full-fat coconut milk instead of cream.

Is this soup gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken.

Can I freeze creamy chicken and wild rice soup?

Yes, though the texture may change slightly. Reheat gently and stir well after thawing.

What’s the best rice to use?

Pure wild rice has the best texture and nutty flavor, but a wild rice blend also works well.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add chickpeas or tofu for protein.

What can I serve with this soup?

It pairs well with crusty bread, biscuits, side salads, or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a bowl of pure comfort—warm, filling, and full of rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family, prepping lunches for the week, or just in the mood for something cozy, this one-pot wonder hits the spot. Simple to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s a soup you’ll want to make again and again.