A bowl of Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the perfect way to feel cozy and satisfied. This creamy, savory soup features tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and flavorful vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. It’s both filling and comforting, ideal for family meals or meal prep. Simple to make, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why We Love This Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
This chicken wild rice soup is loved by so many for several reasons. First, it’s the ultimate comfort food, especially when it’s cold outside. The rich, creamy chicken and wild rice broth is the warm hug you want after a long day. The shredded chicken makes it hearty, and combining onions, carrots, and celery adds the right amount of crunch and flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make! You can even swap in rotisserie chicken to save time. Whether you’re making it for dinner or prepping ahead for the week, this soup always delivers.
Ingredients
For the easy chicken wild rice soup, you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breast and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining olive oil or butter tablespoon in the same pot. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the broth and rice: Pour the chicken broth and add the wild rice blend, thyme, and parsley. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Add the cream and chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream once the rice is cooked. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variation
This chicken and wild rice soup is easily customizable. Here are some variations to try:
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the soup for extra heat.
- Vegetable-packed: Add spinach or peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Dairy-free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut or almond milk to make the soup dairy-free.
- Cheesy: Stir some shredded Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy version.
- Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover chicken noodle soup or chicken and rice soup, feel free to add that in for a shortcut!
Cooking Notes
- Wild rice: Wild rice takes a little longer to cook than regular white rice, so make sure to give it time to soften and absorb the broth. You can also use pre-cooked wild rice to save time.
- Freezing this soup: If you have leftovers, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat it on the stove.
- Thickening the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, make a roux by melting butter and stirring in some flour before adding the broth. This will help thicken the soup as it simmers.
Serving Suggestions
Easy chicken wild rice soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to complete the meal:
- Side salad: Serve the soup with a light side salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the creamy soup.
- Bread: Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, for dipping.
- Crackers or breadsticks: Serve with some crunchy crackers or breadsticks for extra crunch.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the chicken and add it when you add the cream.
- Flavor boost: To make the soup flavorful, add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
- Cooking tip: Simmer the soup long enough to soften the wild rice blend and absorb the flavors. If you cook the rice too quickly, it may not cook properly.
Prep time
15 minutes
Cooking time
45 minutes
Total time
1 hour
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 375
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
1. How to Make Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup in Just One Hour
You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a delicious soup. You can have a warm, creamy bowl of chicken wild rice soup that the whole family will love in just one hour. You’ll enjoy a comforting soup without the long wait with a few simple steps—cooking your chicken, sautéing veggies, and simmering everything together. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to sacrifice taste for time.
2. The Ultimate Comfort Food: Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few things beat the creamy, warm satisfaction of a good soup. Easy chicken wild rice soup checks all the boxes: it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for colder days. The rich chicken broth combined with tender chicken breast and wild rice creates a bowl of soup that feels like a hug in every spoonful. This soup is your go-to choice whether you’re feeling under the weather or want something cozy.
3. Why Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Is Perfect for Any Season
You might think that soup is only for winter, but easy chicken wild rice soup is so versatile that it’s perfect for any time of year. The creamy, rich flavor is excellent in the cold months, but you can also enjoy it during the warmer months by making it lighter with less cream or serving it chilled. The chicken broth and wild rice make it hearty enough for a fall or winter meal yet refreshing enough for springtime. It’s a year-round comfort food that adapts to your mood and the weather.
4. Quick and Delicious: Your Go-To Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Looking for a fast dinner idea? Easy chicken wild rice soup is the solution. You can make it from scratch in under an hour, and the best part is, it’s all done in one pot! The soup is flavorful from the onions, carrots, and celery, with the wild rice adding a satisfying texture. Whether you need a last-minute meal or want something easy, this recipe will be your go-to.
5. Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty and Creamy Delight
Easy chicken wild rice soup is a hearty and creamy dish that fills you up without leaving you feeling weighed down. The heavy cream gives it a rich texture, while the chicken breast and wild rice make it filling and satisfying. Every bite is comforting, with the flavors coming together perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
6. How to Customize Your Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup for Every Taste
One of the best things about this soup is that you can easily adjust it to your tastes. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños while sautéing the veggies if you like a little spice. For a more vegetable-packed version, toss some spinach or peas for added color and nutrition. You can also swap in rotisserie chicken to save time or use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. The soup is flexible, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
7. 10 Reasons Why Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Will Be Your New Favorite
Easy chicken wild rice soup should become a staple in your kitchen for many reasons. Here are 10 to get you started:
- Quick and simple to make.
- It is packed with nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.
- Perfect for meal prepping.
- It can be made with rotisserie chicken to save time.
- There is an excellent balance of protein from the chicken and fiber from the rice.
- Freezes well for leftovers.
- The creamy texture is a big hit with kids and adults alike.
- It can be made with chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Flexible to your dietary needs (like dairy-free or gluten-free).
- Comforting and filling without being too heavy.
8. A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfect Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
If you’re looking for a detailed guide to making easy chicken wild rice soup, this recipe will walk you through every step. From cooking the chicken to sautéing the vegetables to simmering the rice and adding the creamy broth, this guide ensures you’ll end up with a perfectly balanced soup. Each step is simple, resulting in a rich, flavorful dish everyone will love.
9. Freezing and Meal Prepping Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: Everything You Need to Know
This soup is perfect for meal prepping because it stores well in the fridge or freezer. Make a big batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stove or microwave. Freezing this soup makes it an easy, go-to meal whenever you need a quick dinner.
10. Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: A Filling, Flavorful Recipe for Busy Days
Easy chicken wild rice soup is the perfect dinner for busy days if you’re juggling school, sports, and homework. It’s a filling meal that doesn’t take long to prepare, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time doing what you love. The chicken and rice provide plenty of energy, and the creamy broth gives you that satisfying taste you crave after a busy day. Plus, you can easily make it and have dinner ready in minutes.
11. Why Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the Perfect Family Lunch
Easy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the ideal choice for a family lunch! It’s simple to make, packed with healthy ingredients, and everyone will love it. This soup is nourishing and filling with tender chicken breast, wild rice, and a mix of carrots, celery, and onions. It’s easy to prepare in under an hour, which makes it perfect for a midday meal when you’re short on time. You can customize it to suit everyone’s tastes so that picky eaters won’t miss out. Whether you’re at home or taking it for meal prepping, this comforting soup will quickly become a family favorite!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
You can use brown rice instead of wild rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. Brown rice takes about 45 minutes to cook, so you may need to adjust the simmering time.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add all the ingredients (except the cream) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream and shredded chicken in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Easy chicken wild rice soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich flavors of chicken breast, wild rice, and a creamy broth. It’s perfect for meal prepping, serving as a hearty family dinner, or enjoying leftovers during the week. This soup will become a go-to recipe with the option to customize it to your taste.
Enjoy every spoonful of this delicious soup, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite side salad or bread for the perfect meal!
