Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying. The nutty flavor of wild rice, combined with tender chicken and vegetables, creates a flavorful and filling soup. The addition of cream makes this dish extra rich, while still maintaining a balance of wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping as it reheats beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sauté the vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the rice and broth:
- Stir in the wild rice, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender.
- Add the chicken:
- Stir in the shredded chicken and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Chicken & Wild Rice Soup as a perfect meal to warm you up, served with crusty bread or on its own for a wholesome, filling dish!
