Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a perfect dish for chilly days. It warms you up with its creamy texture and rich flavors. This soup is not only delicious but also easy to make. You can enjoy it as a meal on its own or pair it with some bread.
Making this soup allows you to get creative in the kitchen. You can adjust the seasonings or even add more vegetables if you’d like. This recipe is an excellent choice for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends.
Equipment Needed For Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
To prepare your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup, you will need some basic kitchen equipment.
A large stock pot or Dutch oven is essential for simmering the soup. You’ll also need cutting boards and sharp knives for chopping the vegetables. A wooden spoon or spatula will help with stirring, and measuring cups and spoons will ensure accuracy in your ingredients. Lastly, having a ladle will be handy for serving.
What You Need to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 ribs celery (diced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 2 bay leaves
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup wild rice blend (such as Lundberg, rinsed)
- 7-8 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 4 cups roasted chicken or turkey (cut into bite-sized pieces or shredded)
- 1 cup heavy cream
How to Cook Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Step by Step
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the diced celery, sliced carrots, and chopped onion. Sauté these vegetables until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. After that, add in the thinly sliced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it is fragrant.
Next, incorporate the fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves into the pot. Don’t forget to season the mixture with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This step adds depth to the flavors of your soup.
Now it’s time to thicken the soup. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This forms a light roux, which will help thicken your soup later on.
Pour in the chicken stock of your choice and give everything a good stir to combine. Now, add the wild rice blend to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and fully cooked.
Once the rice has cooked, it is time to add the roasted chicken or turkey pieces into the pot. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes until it’s hot and creamy.
Finally, be sure to remove the bay leaves from the soup before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper as you see fit. Ladle the delicious creamy soup into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy your meal with a side of crusty bread for dipping!
This soup is versatile and stays fresh in the refrigerator. In fact, it may taste even better after a day or two. Perfect for those cozy nights in!
How To Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Start by collecting all your ingredients. Have everything prepped and chopped so that you can easily add them into the pot. Melting the butter and sautéing the vegetables creates a base that adds great flavor.
Continue following the step-by-step directions to ensure you get the perfect creamy texture. Pay close attention to adjusting the seasoning to match your taste preferences. Enjoy the cooking process!
How To Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
When serving Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup, use a ladle to scoop it into bowls. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of pepper for an extra touch.
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, perfect for dipping. You can also serve it with a light salad on the side for a complete meal.
What To Serve With Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Aside from crusty bread, there are many great sides to complement this soup. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast.
You can also offer warm rolls or biscuits. These are perfect for soaking up the creamy goodness of the soup. Fruit salads or roasted vegetables can round out the meal nicely.
How To Store Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
To store any leftovers, place the soup in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers and leave space for expansion. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Tips To Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
While making this soup, here are a few helpful tips. Make sure to sauté your vegetables until they are nice and soft, as it enhances the flavor. Stir the flour in well to avoid lumps.
Taste the soup as it simmers so you can adjust the seasonings perfectly to your liking. If you want it thicker, let it simmer a bit longer. If you prefer it thinner, simply add more broth.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with this recipe! You can add additional vegetables like corn, spinach, or peas for a nutritious boost. For a spicy kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a low-fat dairy option. These adjustments can create a different flavor profile while still keeping the comforting essence of the soup intact.
Best Time To Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is great for cold evenings, making it ideal for fall and winter seasons. However, it’s versatile enough to enjoy year-round. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
On colder days, this soup can be your go-to comfort food. It brings warmth and satisfaction, sure to please family and friends alike.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When making this soup, a few common mistakes can occur. One is not letting the vegetables sauté long enough. Ensure they’re soft before adding the next ingredients for maximum flavor.
Also, don’t rush the cooking process of the wild rice. Follow the recommended cooking times to ensure it’s tender. Lastly, be careful not to skip the seasoning step. Adding salt and pepper early on helps blend the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Notes
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is not only comforting but also nutritious. It is packed with protein from the chicken and has plenty of vegetables. The wild rice adds fiber, making this soup a balanced meal.
Each bowl is rich and satisfying, providing nourishment and warmth on chilly days. If you make adjustments for dietary preferences, like using vegetable broth or lighter cream options, you can tailor it to your needs.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Just cut it into small pieces and add it to the pot earlier in the cooking process. Cook it until it is fully done before adding the cream.
Is wild rice gluten-free?
Yes, wild rice is gluten-free, making this soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken and broth with vegetable broth and add your choice of protein, like beans or tofu, for a hearty, vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a delightful dish that offers both comfort and flavor. With its rich, creamy base and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare, this recipe is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Whether enjoyed on a chilly night or made ahead for meal prep, it will surely become a favorite in your home. Remember, cooking is all about personal touch, so feel free to adjust ingredients and flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy every warm and creamy spoonful!
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add in the diced celery, sliced carrots, and chopped onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Season with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a light roux.
- Pour in the chicken stock and stir to combine. Add the wild rice blend.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the wild rice is tender.
- Add the roasted chicken or turkey pieces and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
