Cozy Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup 🍲✨

This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate cozy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Simple to make and loaded with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

1 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The velvety broth is pure comfort in every spoonful.
Hearty and Wholesome: Packed with protein, vegetables, and wild rice.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup makes it a weeknight favorite.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

1. Cook the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Build the Soup Base

Stir in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to combine and remove any lumps.

3. Add the Rice and Seasonings

Add the wild rice, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

4. Add Chicken and Cream

Stir in the cooked chicken and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Crusty Bread: Perfect for dunking into the creamy broth.
Side Salad: A crisp green salad adds a refreshing contrast.
Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle on top for a cheesy finish.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the wild rice removes excess starch and helps it cook evenly.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Customize Your Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or kale for extra nutrients and flavor.
Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings together hearty, wholesome ingredients in a rich and creamy broth. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or cozy gatherings with loved ones.

Let me know how it turns out for you and what creative twists you add! Happy cooking and stay cozy! 🥣✨