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Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
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Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a rich, hearty, and comforting dish combining tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a luscious creamy broth. Perfect for cozy lunches or dinners, this soup offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that soothe and nourish any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced

Grains

  • 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced

Liquids

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Fats

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Herbs & Seasoning

  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sauté Your Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté gently for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant, forming the flavorful base of the soup.
  2. Cook the Wild Rice: Add the rinsed wild rice to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40-50 minutes, until the rice is tender but still has a chewy texture.
  3. Add Chicken and Herbs: While the rice cooks, dice chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir the chicken and fresh thyme into the simmering soup. Let it cook gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
  4. Incorporate Cream and Finish Seasoning: Gradually stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, warming the soup thoroughly but avoiding boiling. Adjust salt and pepper as needed, then stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving to brighten the flavor.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken pieces for a richer broth; simmer before shredding the meat.
  • Rinse wild rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent gluey texture.
  • Simmer gently when adding cream to avoid curdling and maintain smoothness.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to retain their vibrant flavor and color.
  • This soup freezes well; consider doubling the recipe for future meals.
  • To thicken a thin soup, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, simmering gently until thickened.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy chicken soup, wild rice soup, comfort food, hearty soup, gluten free soup

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/creamy-chicken-wild-rice-soup/