Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop the vegetables. This prep step helps everything come together smoothly.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Add Chicken and Seasonings
- Stir in the diced chicken, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.
4. Add Rice and Broth
- Add the uncooked wild rice and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer the Soup
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the broth.
6. Stir in the Cream
- Once the rice is tender, stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the cream to warm and thicken the soup slightly.
7. Season to Taste
- Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors to your liking. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, paired with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Tips for the Best Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
- Cook the rice separately if you prefer a soup that’s less thick, as the rice absorbs some of the broth.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time if you don’t want to cook raw chicken; just add it in step 6.
- Add mushrooms for an earthy twist. Sauté them with the other vegetables for a richer flavor profile.
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy texture without dairy.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes for extra greens.
- Herb Swap: Try adding sage or Italian seasoning for a different herb flavor profile.
Conclusion
Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is a simple, nourishing recipe that’s easy to customize and perfect for those cozy nights in. Its creamy texture and rich, savory flavor make it a satisfying dish that the whole family can enjoy. This recipe will warm you up and fill you up, creating new comforting memories with every spoonful. Enjoy!
