Homemade Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Homemade chicken wild rice soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any chilly day. This hearty soup combines tender wild rice, shredded chicken, and fresh vegetables in a creamy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to satisfy my family on busy weeknights.

There’s something magical about the way wild rice transforms in a bubbling pot of chicken broth. I still remember the first time I made this chicken and wild rice soup on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The aroma of garlic and thyme filled my kitchen while the rice slowly absorbed all those savory flavors. What makes this recipe so practical is that you can use leftover rotisserie chicken, which cuts your prep time in half. The creamy texture comes from just a splash of heavy cream at the end, though I often swap it for milk when I want a lighter version. This homemade chicken soup is perfect for meal prep too since it stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

What You’ll Need for This Cozy Wild Rice Soup

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients so everything flows smoothly. I always use fresh vegetables for the best flavor, but frozen works in a pinch. Pro tip: rinsing your wild rice removes excess starch and prevents a gummy texture.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced (I prefer organic for sweeter flavor)
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth (I always use low-sodium to control salt levels)
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is my go-to shortcut)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup heavy cream (substitute with milk or non-dairy alternative for lighter version)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but adds a beautiful pop of color)

How I Make This Delicious Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes translucent and fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion softens and releases its sweet aroma.

Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. The vegetables should begin to soften and the garlic should become golden and aromatic.

Step 3: Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4: Once boiling, add the rinsed wild rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure it’s not boiling too vigorously. The rice is done when the grains have split open and are tender to the bite.

Step 5: After the rice is fully cooked, stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Allow everything to heat through for about 5 minutes, stirring gently. The peas will thaw quickly and the chicken will warm completely.

Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine without breaking up the tender rice grains. Taste the soup and add salt as needed, starting with ½ teaspoon and adjusting from there. Pro tip: add salt gradually since the chicken broth already contains sodium.

Step 7: Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the hot homemade chicken wild rice soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while it’s steaming hot.

Perfect Pairings for Your Wild Rice Soup

This chicken soup pairs beautifully with crusty, hearty sides that complement its creamy texture.

Crusty French Bread: The crispy exterior and soft interior are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth. This is one of the best sides for homemade chicken wild rice soup because the bread adds a satisfying crunch.

Fresh Garden Salad: A simple mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup and adds refreshing contrast. The acidity balances the cream beautifully.

Buttery Crackers: Oyster crackers or Ritz crackers add a delightful crunch and make the meal feel more substantial. Kids especially love this pairing.

Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread brings an extra layer of flavor that enhances the soup’s savory notes. The garlic complements the herbs in the wild rice soup perfectly.

More Wild Rice Soup Recipes Worth Making

This homemade chicken soup provides a perfect foundation for exploring other wild rice variations. When autumn arrives, the Autumn Wild Rice Soup elevates the classic with sage, rosemary, and mushrooms for sophisticated fall flavors. For mushroom lovers seeking even more earthy depth, the Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup showcases cremini mushrooms as the star alongside tender chicken and nutty rice.

Looking for a lighter, naturally gluten-free option? The Best Autumn Wild Rice Soup features wholesome vegetables and flexibility for dietary preferences. When craving ultra-creamy texture that rivals restaurant favorites, the Best Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup achieves that signature thick, velvety consistency using a clever flour-based technique.

Storing Your Leftover Chicken Soup

Store your homemade chicken wild rice soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better than the first day. I recommend letting the soup cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.

For reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add ½ to 1 cup of extra chicken broth since the wild rice continues to absorb liquid as it sits. Avoid boiling during reheating as this can cause the cream to separate.

This chicken and wild rice soup freezes beautifully for up to 2 to 3 months. Pro tip: I prefer freezing it before adding the cream, then stirring in fresh cream when reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Common Questions About Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Print