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Comfort in a Bowl
I discovered this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe one chilly Sunday afternoon when I was craving something warm and filling. That first batch with its velvety broth tender chicken and nutty wild rice got my whole family hovering in the kitchen asking when dinner would be ready. Now it's become our go-to comfort meal the one everyone asks for when the weather turns cold or we need something soothing for the soul.
Simple Goodness
What makes this soup so special is how it fills you up without weighing you down. That creamy broth carries all these wonderful flavors while the wild rice adds this perfect hearty texture. I love that I can throw it together on a busy weeknight or let it simmer slowly on a lazy weekend afternoon. Sometimes I'll even make it in my slow cooker letting those aromas fill the house all day.
Your Shopping List
- The chicken: I use boneless thighs they stay tender and juicy or grab a rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Wild rice blend: Get the good stuff it really makes a difference in texture and flavor.
- Fresh vegetables: Carrots celery onions maybe some mushrooms if you're feeling fancy.
- For the broth: Good chicken stock lots of fresh herbs and a splash of cream at the end.
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic thyme bay leaves they make everything sing.
- Seasonings: Sea salt fresh pepper maybe a pinch of poultry seasoning.
Let's Start Cooking
- Build your base:
- Start by softening those aromatics in butter until your kitchen smells amazing. The onions should be translucent and sweet the carrots and celery tender but still have some bite.
- Add your rice:
- Stir in that beautiful wild rice let it toast for a minute picking up all those wonderful flavors from the vegetables.
- Create the soup:
- Pour in your broth add your herbs and let everything simmer until the rice starts to bloom and open up. This is when the magic really starts happening.
- Chicken time:
- Add your chicken letting it cook gently in the broth then shred it into bite-sized pieces it soaks up so much flavor this way.
- Make it creamy:
- Finally stir in that splash of cream watching the broth turn silky and rich. Taste and adjust your seasonings until everything's just perfect.
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My Kitchen Secrets
After making this soup countless times I've learned a few tricks. Cook your wild rice ahead it takes the stress out of timing everything perfectly. Let that chicken rest a few minutes before shredding it stays so much juicier that way. When you're adding the cream take the pot off the heat first keeps everything smooth no curdling. And don't skip seasoning as you go each layer needs its own touch of salt and pepper.
Perfect Pairings
We love serving this soup with warm crusty rolls for soaking up every last drop of that amazing broth. Sometimes I'll hollow out sourdough bowls and serve the soup right in them my kids think that's the most fun way to eat it. A simple green salad on the side with a light vinaigrette balances out all that creamy richness perfectly.
Plan Ahead
This soup actually gets better after a day or two in the fridge all those flavors melding together beautifully. Just reheat it gently on the stove adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to bring back that perfect consistency. If you're freezing portions leave out the cream and add it fresh when you reheat keeps everything smooth and silky.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I'll make this vegetarian loading it up with mushrooms and kale instead of chicken. The earthiness works so well with the wild rice. When I'm really short on time the slow cooker version is a lifesaver everything goes in in the morning and dinner's ready when we get home. You can even use turkey instead of chicken perfect for those post-holiday meals.
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Family Favorite
This soup has become more than just dinner at our house it's comfort and love in a bowl. Whether it's a quiet family dinner or feeding a crowd on a chilly evening it never fails to bring smiles to the table. The way it warms you from the inside out the sound of spoons clinking against bowls everyone gathered around sharing their day that's what good food is all about.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of wild rice works best?
Any wild rice or wild rice blend works well. Harvest or Lundberg brands are recommended, cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor.
- → Can I use milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, you can substitute half heavy cream and half regular milk for the evaporated milk.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- → How long does it keep?
Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The wild rice may continue to absorb liquid, so add more broth when reheating if needed.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works well. Add it near the end of cooking, just long enough to heat through.
Conclusion
A delightful and warming soup that combines tender chicken, nutritious wild rice, and a variety of vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for cold winter days and easy to prepare using either stovetop or slow cooker methods.