Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – Family Style is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings! This hearty dish features tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and fresh vegetables all simmered in a creamy broth that’s rich and satisfying. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favorite for busy weeknights while still being a crowd-pleaser for family dinners!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- How to Make
- Tips for Making
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing
- Reheating
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these related recipes next!
- Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup
- One-Pot Chicken and Rice
- Vegetable and Wild Rice Soup
- Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Comfort Food. This soup is packed with flavor and rich in nutrients, making it the ideal bowl to warm you up on a cold day!
- Quick and Easy Preparation. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for any home cook!
- Family-Friendly. The creamy texture and delicious flavor profile make this soup a hit among both kids and adults!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables to add flavor without making the soup greasy.
- Chicken Breast: Provides a hearty protein source; use boneless, skinless chicken for convenience.
- Carrots and Celery: Adds freshness and crunch, contributing to the overall flavor of the soup.
- Onion: Enhances the soup base with aromatic sweetness.
- Wild Rice: This unique rice variety gives the soup a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the soup’s savory base; homemade or store-bought both work well.
- Heavy Cream: Emulsifies the ingredients and adds a luscious, creamy texture to the soup.
- Garlic: Adds depth; don’t hesitate to increase for an extra kick!
- Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme offers a wonderful herbal note.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic; stir for another minute until fragrant.
- Include diced chicken breast; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle in wild rice and dried thyme, then pour in chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the overall taste and health benefits of your soup.
- Adjust the Cream: For a lighter soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute half-and-half.
- Chicken Variation: Rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey can be used for a quicker alternative.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prep the vegetables and proteins in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- You can also cook the soup a day before, cool it completely, and refrigerate it for a streamlined dinner on busy nights.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Let the soup cool completely, then portion into airtight containers or freezer bags, removing excess air.
- Label and date the containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Place the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
- If using the microwave, heat in intervals, stirring between until hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook than wild rice.
How do I store leftover soup?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I make this soup a vegetarian option?
Yes, substitute the chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What goes well with this soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad.
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they’re heated through.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – Family Style
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Comforting and creamy chicken and wild rice soup that warms the soul. This easy family style recipe is perfect for cold nights!
Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Chicken Breast
- Carrots and Celery
- Onion
- Wild Rice
- Chicken Broth
- Heavy Cream
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Salt & Pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic; stir for another minute until fragrant.
- Include diced chicken breast; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle in wild rice and dried thyme, then pour in chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for optimal taste.
- Adjust the cream to lighten the soup.
- Leftover chicken works great for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: family style, soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken soup, wild rice soup, creamy soup
Try these recipes next!
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup
One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Vegetable and Wild Rice Soup
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup