Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that warms you from the inside out. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and nutritious ingredients, it makes for a perfect meal on a chilly day. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber.
Making this soup is incredibly easy, and it allows you to use fresh ingredients while controlling the flavors to your liking. It’s a perfect option for a family dinner or a cozy night in, offering satisfaction in every bowl.
Equipment Needed For Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
To cook this creamy delight, you need to gather some specific equipment. A Dutch oven is essential for cooking the soup evenly and thoroughly. It retains heat well and has a sturdy build, perfect for simmering the ingredients.
You will also need a cutting board and a sharp knife for chopping the vegetables. A measuring cup and spoons will help ensure you add the right amounts of each ingredient. Lastly, a ladle is handy for serving the soup into bowls without spills.
What You Need to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp cornstarch diluted in 1 tbsp cold water
- 1/2 cup cream
- 4 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
How to Cook Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Step by Step
Begin by melting the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the finely diced onion and sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the mushrooms soften. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your soup.
Next, stir in the Dijon mustard, tomato paste, and soy sauce. These ingredients will give the soup a rich, savory kick. After stirring in the flavorings, add the uncooked wild rice to the pot. Combine all the ingredients well. Then pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Let the soup simmer for about 25 minutes to allow the wild rice to cook thoroughly and soak up the flavors. After 25 minutes, add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the soup. Continue to simmer for another 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the pot. Shred the chicken using two forks or simply chop it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup. Next, stir the cornstarch slurry into the soup to help thicken it up. Cook for a few more minutes until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
After thickening, take the pot off the heat and stir in the cream, fresh thyme, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch provides a luxurious creaminess and rich flavor. Give the soup a good stir, then check the seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed before serving.
How To Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
To make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, you first start with sautéing the vegetables and mushrooms in butter. Season them with salt and spices to build flavor. Then add the wild rice and broth, letting everything simmer until the rice is cooked. Introduce the chicken thighs and let them cook through.
Once the chicken is cooked, shred and mix it back into the soup. Thicken the soup with cornstarch mixed with water. Right before serving, stir in cream and cheese for that beloved richness and garnish with fresh herbs to elevate the dish. Serve hot and enjoy the comfort!
How To Serve Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Serving Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is straightforward, yet you can elevate the experience. Ladle the soup into deep bowls, allowing the aroma to fill the air. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top can add a beautiful touch and enhance the visual appeal.
Consider serving the soup with a slice of crusty bread or warm rolls. This adds a hearty element to the meal and makes it feel even more inviting. Pairing the soup with a light salad on the side can balance the richness wonderfully.
What To Serve With Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup pairs excellently with several side dishes. A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can complement the creamy soup perfectly. The acidity and crunch of the salad help offset the rich flavor.
You can also serve a slice of garlic bread or a buttery roll alongside the soup. Both options are great for dipping into the creamy goodness. If you want something a bit more filling, consider a side of roasted vegetables or a simple pasta dish.
How To Store Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Storing Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is simple. Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before you transfer it to an airtight container. The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to label the containers with the date before putting them in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy the stored soup, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might find that the soup thickens while stored; if so, add a splash of broth or cream as you reheat.
Tips To Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
To achieve the best flavor in your soup, always use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste significantly over dried options. When cooking the mushrooms, don’t rush the process; letting them brown slightly will add a depth of flavor.
Feel free to adjust the level of cream for richness according to your preference. If you want a lighter version, you can partially replace the heavy cream with more chicken broth. Also, if wild rice isn’t available, you can use brown rice, but remember to check the cooking times since they differ.
Variation
You can easily adapt Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup to suit different tastes. For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the vegetables. If you love vegetables, consider throwing in some chopped carrots and celery for added flavor and texture.
For a gluten-free option, make sure to choose a gluten-free soy sauce or leave it out completely. You can also swap chicken for turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal. These variations allow you to customize the soup to your liking.
Best Time To Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup shines during the colder months. It’s a warm and cozy meal perfect for autumn and winter days. However, it’s also great for any time you crave a comforting soup.
Making this soup is a wonderful way to transition from summer to fall, using seasonal ingredients. It can even be a delightful option for family gatherings or potluck dinners. The soup is loved year-round and fits well into any occasion where comfort food is needed.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
One common mistake when making this soup is overcooking the wild rice. Keep an eye on the cooking times as this rice takes longer than white rice. Using too much cream can also overshadow the other flavors, so adjust accordingly.
Avoid skipping the sautéing step for onions and mushrooms. This step builds a solid foundation of flavor for your soup. Lastly, when thickening the soup, ensure the cornstarch is well-diluted to prevent clumps.
Nutritional Notes
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup offers a delicious balance of nutrients. Chicken thighs provide good protein, while wild rice adds fiber and vitamins. The soup is also rich in calcium from the cream and Parmesan cheese.
Keep in mind that this soup can be modified to fit a variety of dietary needs. You can make it lower in calories by reducing the amount of cream or using skinless chicken breasts instead. It’s a versatile dish that combines comfort with nutritional benefits.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. It often tastes better as the flavors meld together overnight.
Is it possible to use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor to the soup.
How can I make it vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use beans or tofu as the protein source.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a delightful dish that maximizes flavor and comfort. Combining simple ingredients with easy steps, it’s a recipe anyone can master. With its creamy texture and savory depth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with sides, it promises satisfaction in every spoonful. So gather your ingredients, and let the warmth of this comforting soup fill your home.
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Cook until onions are translucent and mushrooms soften.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, tomato paste, and soy sauce.
- Add the wild rice and combine well. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for about 25 minutes until wild rice is cooked.
- Add the chicken thighs and simmer for an additional 20 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return to the soup.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken, cooking for a few more minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cream, fresh thyme, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
- Check the seasoning and adjust with salt or pepper as necessary before serving.
