Name: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup wild rice blend; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for roux); 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is a cozy, satisfying meal that I love making whenever I need something hearty and comforting. With tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s a one-pot wonder that warms me up from the inside out. It’s just as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for a comforting lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this soup is filling, full of flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. The combination of chicken and wild rice creates a nourishing base, while the cream and herbs bring in rich, savory depth. It’s like a hug in a bowl—great for cold days or when I’m craving something soothing but still wholesome. Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded
Wild rice blend
Carrots, diced
Celery, chopped
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Olive oil or butter
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
All-purpose flour (for thickening)
Salt and black pepper
Dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Bay leaf
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I heat oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft—about 5–7 minutes.
I stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
I add the wild rice, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
I stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through.
In a separate pan, I whisk flour into melted butter (or oil) to make a roux, then slowly whisk in the cream to create a smooth sauce.
I add the creamy mixture into the soup and stir until everything is well combined and thickened.
I adjust seasoning, remove the bay leaf, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes approximately 1 hour total (15 minutes prep, 45 minutes cook time).

Variations

I make it dairy-free by using coconut milk or oat cream instead of heavy cream.
I use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Sometimes I add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
I cook the wild rice separately if I want to speed up the soup’s final cook time.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup thickens as it sits, so I stir in a little broth or water when reheating. It also freezes well, but I do so before adding the cream for the best texture. I reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken in this soup?

Yes, I simmer raw chicken breasts in the broth with the rice, then shred and return them to the pot once fully cooked.

Does the wild rice take long to cook?

Wild rice takes longer than white rice, but I love the chewy texture. I sometimes par-cook it if I’m in a rush.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. I add everything except the cream and flour, cook on low for 6–7 hours, then stir in the cream mixture at the end.

Is this soup gluten-free?

I use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of regular flour to thicken the soup for a gluten-free version.

Can I substitute white rice?

Yes, but the texture and nutty flavor of wild rice are key to this soup’s heartiness. If using white rice, I reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is one of those recipes I rely on when I want comfort food that’s rich but not heavy. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether I’m feeding a family or saving leftovers for the week, it always hits the spot.