Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – A Cozy, Creamy Classic

Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is exactly what you need! Tender shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and hearty vegetables come together in a creamy, flavorful broth that’s both filling and wholesome.

The best part? It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and gets better with time—so don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!). Serve it with crusty bread and butter, and you’ve got the ultimate cozy meal.

---

🍗 What You’ll Need

👉 For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch mixed with water for gluten-free option)

👉 For Garnishing:

• Fresh thyme or parsley
• Extra black pepper
• Crusty bread for dipping

---

🍲 How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

1️⃣ Sauté the veggies – In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Add chicken & seasonings – Place chicken breasts or thighs into the pot. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme, and Italian seasoning.
3️⃣ Simmer with broth & rice – Pour in chicken broth and stir in the wild rice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4️⃣ Shred the chicken – Remove the cooked chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
5️⃣ Make it creamy! – In a small bowl, whisk milk and flour (or cornstarch slurry), then stir it into the soup. Add heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes until thickened.
6️⃣ Serve & enjoy! – Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme and black pepper, and serve with warm, crusty bread.

---

✨ Easy Variations & Tips

🥦 Want More Veggies? Add chopped kale or spinach for extra greens.
🔥 Love a Spicy Kick? Stir in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
🥛 Prefer a Dairy-Free Version? Use coconut milk or leave out the cream for a lighter broth.
🍚 Rice Matters! Wild rice takes longer to cook, so be patient—it’s worth it!

---

💡 What to Serve with It?

• A warm loaf of sourdough or French bread for dipping
• A side salad with balsamic vinaigrette for freshness
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for a balanced meal

This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is thick, creamy, and packed with flavor—the kind of soul-warming dish that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and savor every bite. It’s easy, nourishing, and perfect for meal prep, since the flavors only get better the next day!