Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food for cold winter nights. This rich and hearty soup combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful wild rice in a creamy broth. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Its unique blend of flavors makes it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious soup ready in no time.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of chicken, veggies, and wild rice creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
• Versatile: Ideal for lunch or dinner, this soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: With its creamy texture and tasty ingredients, kids will love this soup just as much as adults.

Tools and Preparation

To make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking of your ingredients while providing enough room for stirring.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: These tools are perfect for mixing without scratching your pot’s surface, ensuring longevity.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving you prep time.

Ingredients

A rich, hearty, and decadent soup that will keep you warm on those cold winter nights!

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin filets (I used 2 large breasts and sliced them in half)
• Kinder’s The Blend Seasoning (or use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
• 2 tbsp Avocado Oil, for cooking the chicken (or any other neutral oil)
• 4 tbsp Salted Butter, divided

For the Vegetables

• 1 Yellow Onion, diced
• 2 Carrots, sliced
• 2-3 Celery Stalks, sliced
• 5-6 Garlic Cloves, minced

For the Creamy Broth

• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 4 Cups Chicken Broth
• 2 Cups Heavy Cream

For the Rice Component

• (2) 6.2 oz Boxes of Ben’s Original Long Grain and Wild Rice (fast cook variety) (see notes below if you can’t find this)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. Season the chicken with Kinder’s The Blend seasoning (or the alternatives). Ensure each piece is well-coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. In a large pot, heat avocado oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the seasoned chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
3. Remove from heat and set aside to chop or shred once cooled.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Stir in diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery; cook for about 10 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Base Sauce

1. Stir in the remaining butter until melted.
2. Gradually whisk in flour; cook for about 3 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
3. Slowly pour in chicken broth followed by heavy cream; mix well.

Step 5: Add Rice and Chicken

1. Stir in rice from both boxes along with their seasoning packets.
2. Return chopped or shredded chicken to the pot; stir until combined.

Step 6: Simmer Until Ready

1. Bring soup to a gentle boil.
2. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low simmer; cook for approximately 20 minutes until rice is fully cooked and soup thickens.
3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

1. Taste soup; add salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.

Enjoy your delightful bowl of Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley or Chives – Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme Sprigs – Add whole sprigs for an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s flavor.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread – Serve with warm sourdough for dipping, adding a delightful crunch.
• Garlic Breadsticks – Pair with cheesy, buttery garlic breadsticks for a comforting side.

With Salad

• Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
• Mixed Green Salad – Tossed greens with vinaigrette provide lightness that balances the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

To achieve the best results when making Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, keep these tips in mind. They will enhance both the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs will bring out the best flavors in your soup.
• Cook Slowly – Allowing the soup to simmer helps develop rich flavors; don’t rush this step.
• Adjust Consistency – If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Season Gradually – Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper at various stages for balanced flavor.
• Store Properly – If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Reheat Gently – Reheat on low to avoid curdling when warming leftovers.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Pairing side dishes with your creamy soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delightful suggestions that complement its rich flavors.

1. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits with garlic and cheese make for a perfect dipping companion.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add a healthy crunch and contrast to the creamy soup.
3. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful balance to savory flavors.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Hearty stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies create a filling meal alongside the soup.
5. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for an enjoyable side dish.
6. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides a light finish after hearty servings of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping Seasoning: Failing to properly season the chicken can lead to bland soup. Be generous with the seasoning before cooking.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Aim for a golden color on both sides, then remove it from heat.
• Ignoring the Vegetables: Not cooking the vegetables long enough can leave them crunchy. Sauté them until soft for better flavor.
• Rushing the Thickening Process: Adding broth too quickly after flour can create lumps. Gradually add it while stirring to maintain a smooth texture.
• Not Stirring Regularly: Allowing the soup to sit without stirring can cause it to stick or burn. Stir occasionally during cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring frequently until hot. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup so special?

This soup is rich and hearty, perfect for cold weather. The combination of tender chicken, wild rice, and creamy broth creates a comforting meal.

Can I use other types of rice?

Yes! While wild rice adds unique flavor, you can substitute with brown or white rice if desired. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I customize my Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or mushrooms for extra nutrition and taste!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a delicious dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is not only warming but also versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. It’s perfect for dinner or lunch and makes great leftovers. Try experimenting with different vegetables or seasonings to make it your own!