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Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This cozy, creamy soup is filled with tender chicken and nutty wild rice, perfect for cold days when you need a warm, dependable meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups Cooked shredded chicken Rotisserie chicken works well.
  • 1 cup Wild rice blend Avoid instant rice.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter For sautéing.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing.
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped Brings sweetness.
  • 1 medium Carrot, diced Brings sweetness.
  • 2 stalks Celery, sliced Brings body to the soup.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh is best.
  • 6 cups Chicken broth, low sodium Control the salt level.
  • 1 cup Milk or half-and-half For creaminess.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour To thicken the soup.
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme, dried or fresh For flavor.
  • to taste Salt Season as you go.
  • to taste Pepper Season as you go.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, warm olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion, diced carrot, and sliced celery, sprinkling with a pinch of salt. Cook for 7-8 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for a minute.
  5. Whisk in chicken broth gradually until smooth.
  6. Add wild rice, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  7. Cover partially and stir occasionally, cooking until rice is tender, about 40-45 minutes.
Final Steps
  1. Once rice is tender, stir in shredded chicken.
  2. Warm milk or half-and-half separately. Pour into the soup and simmer for a few more minutes until creamy.
  3. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If too thick, add additional broth.

Notes

This soup holds up well in the fridge for 4 days and freezes for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk as needed. For added flavor, consider a splash of dry white wine or grated Parmesan.