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Best Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal, this soup strikes the ideal balance between wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup wild rice (uncooked)
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Base:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer soup)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Soup Base

  1. Add the wild rice, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

  1. Stir in the shredded chicken and let it warm through for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Base

  1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

  1. Stir the creamy base into the soup. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Wild Rice: Be sure to use wild rice, not a quick-cooking variety, to ensure the best texture and flavor.
  • Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. The rice will absorb some liquid, so you may need to add extra broth or water when reheating.
  • Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, replace the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like olive oil and unsweetened almond milk.

Keywords: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, Creamy Chicken Soup, Wild Rice Soup, Comfort Food, Hearty Soup Recipe, Easy Chicken Soup, Winter Soup, Chicken Dinner Recipe, Healthy Soup Recipe, One-Pot Meal

Find it online: https://masonrecipes.com/best-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-recipe/