Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting dish that warms both the body and soul. It’s thick, hearty, and packed with flavors that will leave you wanting more. The combination of tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and wild rice creates a meal that’s not only delicious but also wholesome.
This soup is perfect for cold days and is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make and allows for endless variations, making it a versatile option for any home cook.
Equipment Needed For Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
To make this delightful soup, you will need a few essential kitchen tools. A Dutch oven or large pot is necessary for cooking the soup evenly. A good set of kitchen knives will make chopping vegetables and shredding chicken a breeze. A whisk is important for blending the arrowroot starch with coconut milk. Lastly, have your measuring cups and spoons handy for accuracy.
What You Need to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- 1 tablespoon ghee or butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 bay leaves
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 15-16 oz full-fat coconut milk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot starch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Cook Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Step by Step
Start by heating the ghee in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Once hot, liberally season the boneless skinless chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and sear both sides for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Next, it’s time to add the diced vegetables. In the same pot, add the diced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Season these with a little more salt and pepper, then sauté for around 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. It’s important to stir occasionally for even cooking.
After the vegetables are ready, add the rinsed wild rice, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined. Now, return the seared chicken to the pot and cover the mixture with chicken broth. Give it a good stir to ensure all ingredients are mixed and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Allow the soup to simmer for about 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the rice to become tender during this time. After the rice is tender, remove the chicken once more from the soup. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it back into the pot. This is also when you should discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves for a cleaner taste.
Now, let’s thicken the soup. In a small bowl, whisk together a bit of the coconut milk with the arrowroot starch to create a slurry. While stirring the soup gently, pour the arrowroot starch slurry into the pot. Then, add the remaining coconut milk and allow the soup to continue simmering while stirring occasionally for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
When ready, ladle the creamy soup into bowls and serve it warm. For a fresh touch, you can sprinkle some extra fresh herbs on top before enjoying.
How To Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Making Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a straightforward process that yields incredible flavors and textures. Follow the step-by-step instructions to ensure your soup turns out just right. Be attentive while sautéing the vegetables and ensure to season generously throughout the cooking process to enhance the flavors.
The key is to be patient while simmering the soup. This allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and tasty dish. Keep tasting as you go; seasoning is crucial for bringing out the dish’s full potential.
How To Serve Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Serving Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a delight. It can be enjoyed as a hearty main course lunch or dinner. For a simple presentation, ladle the soup into bowls and consider garnishing with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor and color.
You might also want to serve it with crusty bread on the side. This allows everyone to dip while they enjoy the creamy goodness of the soup. Whether it’s family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this soup will surely impress.
What To Serve With Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
When serving Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, you can enhance the meal with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup well.
You could also serve it alongside crusty bread or rolls. A nice garlic bread can be an excellent choice too, allowing diners to soak up any leftover soup. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a side of grain, such as quinoa or couscous.
How To Store Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Storing Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is straightforward. Make sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Make sure to store the soup in freezer-safe containers. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Tips To Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
To make the best Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, here are a few helpful tips. First, don’t skip on seasoning; it makes a big difference in flavor.
Also, feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Ingredients like spinach or kale can easily be added for additional nutrition. For a lighter option, you can replace coconut milk with less creamy alternatives such as almond milk, but this will change the texture slightly.
Variation
There are many variations you can try with Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. You can swap out chicken for turkey if you have leftovers. Adding other vegetables like peas or corn can add a nice sweetness to the soup.
For spice lovers, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, substitute the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Best Time To Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is perfect for any time of year, but it’s especially welcome during the colder months. Fall and winter are ideal times to make this comforting dish.
However, it can also be a great option for meal prep any time of the year, especially if you’re looking for hearty lunches or easy dinners after a long day.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When making Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, it’s essential to avoid a few typical mistakes. One common error is not rinsing the wild rice, which could lead to unwanted grit in your soup.
Another mistake is overcrowding the pot when sautéing vegetables; this can cause them to steam instead of brown, affecting flavor. Ensure you give enough space for each ingredient.
Lastly, be cautious with the arrowroot starch. Adding it too quickly can lead to lumps. Mixing it with coconut milk first helps prevent this.
Nutritional Notes
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup offers a good balance of nutrients. The chicken provides lean protein, making it filling and satisfying.
Wild rice is a whole grain and is rich in fiber, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Using full-fat coconut milk adds a creamy texture but also healthy fats. This soup can be a part of a balanced diet.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will change the cooking time. Brown rice generally takes longer to cook than wild rice, so be sure to adjust the simmering time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup in a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except for the coconut milk and arrowroot starch. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Add the coconut milk and arrowroot starch slurry at the end, stirring to combine before serving.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! The recipe is already dairy-free due to the use of coconut milk. Ensure all other ingredients used are free from dairy, and you can enjoy this recipe worry-free!
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a delicious and nourishing meal that can be made with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner idea or a meal prep option, this soup hits the mark.
With its hearty flavors and creamy texture, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike. Enjoy making this soup and sharing it with your loved ones!
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the ghee in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper and sear both sides in the pot for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add diced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the pot, seasoning with more salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the rinsed wild rice, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Stir well and return the chicken.
- Pour in chicken broth, stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return shredded chicken to the pot. Discard bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
- In a small bowl, whisk coconut milk with arrowroot starch to make a slurry. Stir the soup while adding the slurry.
- Add remaining coconut milk and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until thickened.
- Ladle into bowls and serve warm; garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
