Is there anything better than a big bowl of soup on a chilly day? I don’t think so! Especially when it’s packed with flavor and has that creamy, comforting texture that just warms you from the inside out. Seriously, I practically live on soup during the colder months. And let me tell you, this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup? It’s a total game-changer.
I remember one particularly blustery winter day. I was snowed in, feeling a bit blah, and craving something seriously satisfying. I rummaged through my pantry, spotted some wild rice, leftover chicken, and thought, “Bingo!” A few simple ingredients later, and my kitchen was filled with the most amazing aroma. That first spoonful? Pure bliss! It was so good that I knew I needed to share this recipe with everyone. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup, it’ll become a staple in your house, too. It’s cozy, it’s hearty, and it’s ridiculously delicious. My family begs me to make it at least once a month!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Okay, so why *this* Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup recipe? Well, let me tell you, it’s got a *lot* going for it. Think of it as a big hug in a bowl!
- Super easy to make – even on a busy weeknight!
- Ready in about an hour – not bad, right?
- Seriously flavorful – that wild rice and chicken combo is just *chef’s kiss*!
- Totally comforting – perfect for those days when you need a little extra love.
- And hey, it’s got chicken and veggies, so it’s kinda healthy-ish!
The Perfect Comfort Food
Seriously, this soup is like the ultimate comfort food champion. Rainy day? Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Feeling a bit under the weather? Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Just need a pick-me-up? You guessed it – Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup! It’s the perfect thing to whip up anytime you need a little bit of cozy in your life.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Don’t skimp on the fresh stuff – it makes all the difference, trust me!
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 chopped carrots
- 2 chopped celery stalks
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini are my fave!)
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium is good!)
- 1 cup rinsed wild rice blend
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- 1 pound shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream (yes, you need it!)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, are you ready to make some magic? This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup might sound fancy, but I promise it’s super easy to throw together. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a warm, comforting bowl in no time!
Preparing the Vegetables
First things first, grab your biggest pot and drizzle in that olive oil. Pop it over medium heat. Now, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. We’re gonna sauté these veggies until they’re nice and softened – about 5 to 7 minutes should do the trick. You want them tender, not browned, okay?
Cooking the Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Once your veggies are looking good, add those sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant. Careful not to burn the garlic, nobody likes bitter garlic! Now, pour in your chicken broth, add the rinsed wild rice blend, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Crank up the heat and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the wild rice is nice and tender. Keep an eye on it – you might need a little extra time depending on your rice.
Adding the Creamy Touch
Alright, here comes the creamy part! In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and all-purpose flour until it’s smooth as silk. This prevents lumps, trust me! Slowly pour this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly. This is where the magic happens, folks!
Final Touches for Your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Now, add your shredded cooked chicken to the soup. Let it simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened to your liking. Almost there! Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy – a little salt really brings out the flavors! And finally, garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. And there you have it – a perfect bowl of Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup!
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup to the *next level*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First, **don’t overcook the rice!** Mushy rice is a no-no. Taste it often towards the end of the simmering time. A little bite is perfect. Also, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens everything up – trust me on this one! And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, a **dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt** on top is *amazing*.
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the original, but what if you wanna mix things up a little? No problem! This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup recipe is super versatile. Try swapping out the thyme and rosemary for some Italian seasoning for a totally different vibe! Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. As for the chicken, leftover turkey works great too, especially after Thanksgiving! And hey, if you’re not a fan of heavy cream (gasp!), you can totally use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just don’t tell Grandma!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
So, you’ve got this amazing Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup ready to go…but what to serve with it? Well, let me tell you, a hunk of crusty bread is *always* a good idea – perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also works wonders. It adds a nice, fresh contrast to the richness of the soup. Yum!
Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is even better the next day, if you can believe it! Just pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days, easy. When you’re ready to dig in again, simply reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot. Or, if you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too! Just be sure to stir it halfway through so it heats evenly.
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get about my Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup – hopefully, this helps!
Can I use frozen vegetables? Absolutely! Frozen veggies are a great shortcut. Just toss them in with the mushrooms and garlic. You might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time, but it’s a total time-saver!
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? You bet! Sauté the veggies first, then toss everything (except the cream and flour mixture) into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the cream mixture and shredded chicken during the last 30 minutes. Easy peasy!
Can I use milk instead of cream? You can, but it won’t be quite as creamy. For a richer flavor, try half-and-half. If you’re using milk, you might want to add a little extra flour (like a tablespoon) to help thicken it up.
Nutritional Information for Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nitty-gritty…the nutritional stuff! Here’s a rough estimate: One serving clocks in around 350 calories, 20g fat, 20g protein, and 25g carbs. But hey, it’s homemade, so that’s gotta count for something, right?
Enjoy Your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup!
And that’s all there is to it! I really hope you enjoy this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup as much as my family and I do! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think! Oh, and don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends! Happy cooking!
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Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: 1 Unforgivable Mistake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy chicken wild rice soup. This hearty soup is perfect for a cold day.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and garlic. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until mushrooms are tender.
- Pour in chicken broth. Add wild rice blend, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and flour until smooth.
- Stir cream mixture into the soup. Add shredded chicken. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until soup has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, use more flour.
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
