How to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal to warm you up on a cold day, look no further than creamy chicken and wild rice soup. This classic dish is perfect for cozy nights in or as a hearty lunch. Follow our easy recipe to create a soup that is both savory and satisfying.

Key Takeaways

• Creamy chicken and wild rice soup is a classic and comforting dish.
• Follow our easy recipe to create a savory and satisfying soup.
• Make sure to gather all the necessary ingredients before starting.
• Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated later.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Before you can get started making this delicious and hearty soup, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients. Don’t worry, the recipe is quite simple and the ingredients can be found at any local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients	Quantity
Chicken breasts	2 large
Wild rice	1 cup
Mushrooms	8 oz
Garlic cloves	4
Butter	3 tbsp
All-purpose flour	3 tbsp
Chicken broth	4 cups
Heavy cream	1 cup
Dried thyme	1 tsp
Salt	to taste
Black pepper	to taste

Make sure to have all of these ingredients on hand before starting the recipe. Once you have everything ready, you can move on to the next step and begin cooking your creamy chicken and wild rice soup.

Preparing the Chicken

For this creamy chicken and wild rice soup recipe, you will need to cook and shred chicken breasts. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking dish and arrange chicken breasts in a single layer. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Use a fork to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones or unwanted bits. Set the shredded chicken aside as you prepare the other ingredients for the soup.

If you’re short on time, you can also use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts from the store. Simply shred the cooked chicken and set it aside for later use.

Cooking the Wild Rice for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Now that you have the shredded chicken ready, it’s time to cook the wild rice to add texture and flavor to your creamy chicken and wild rice soup recipe. This nutty and chewy grain adds a hearty twist to the soup, making it a filling and satisfying meal on its own.

To cook wild rice, you’ll need:

Ingredients:	1 cup wild rice	3 cups water or chicken broth	1 teaspoon salt

Follow these simple steps to cook wild rice:

1. Rinse the wild rice under cool water and drain it using a fine-mesh strainer.
2. Bring the water or chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
3. Add the wild rice and salt to the pot.
4. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Simmer the wild rice for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the grains are tender and have split open.
6. Drain any excess water from the pot and fluff the wild rice with a fork.
7. Set the cooked wild rice aside until it’s time to add it to the soup.

Now that your wild rice is cooked to perfection, you can move on to the next step – sautéing mushrooms and garlic.

Sautéing the Mushrooms and Garlic

Before adding the mushrooms and garlic to the soup, you need to sauté them. This step is important for bringing out the flavors of the ingredients and ensuring that they are cooked thoroughly.

To start, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.

Next, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter and ruin the taste of the soup.

Once the mushrooms and garlic are nicely sautéed, transfer them to a separate bowl and set aside. You can now move on to making the creamy base for the soup.

Pro Tip: To enhance the mushroom flavor, use a blend of different mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, and cremini. You can also add a splash of white wine to the skillet while sautéing them for an extra layer of complexity.

Making the Creamy Base

Now that all the ingredients are ready, it’s time to create the creamy base for the soup. This velvety sauce will coat the chicken, wild rice, mushrooms, and garlic, creating a luscious, comforting dish that you’ll want to savor every spoonful of.

Ingredients:	Amount:
Butter	2 tablespoons
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons
Chicken broth	4 cups
Heavy cream	1 cup
Dried thyme	1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper	To taste

Note: You can adjust the amount of heavy cream based on how creamy you want the soup to be.

To make the creamy base, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk until a paste forms. This is called a roux, and it will help thicken the soup. Continue whisking the roux for about 1 minute to cook off the flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Once all the broth is added, bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for about 5 minutes.

Next, stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.

Tip: If the sauce is too thick, you can add more chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with water and add it to the pot.

Combining All the Ingredients

It’s time to bring all the elements together to create a velvety and savory soup that will warm your soul. Follow these easy steps to combine all the ingredients for the creamy chicken and wild rice soup.

Step 1: Add the Cooked Chicken and Wild Rice

Start by adding the cooked chicken and wild rice to the creamy base. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Mix in the Sautéed Mushrooms and Garlic

Next, add the sautéed mushrooms and garlic to the soup. The mushrooms will add an earthy flavor that complements the creaminess of the soup, while the garlic will give it a subtle kick.

Step 3: Let the Soup Simmer and Thicken

Allow the soup to simmer on the stove for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. The soup will begin to thicken and become even more luscious and satisfying.

Tip:	If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the soup and stir it in gently as it simmers.

Step 4: Adjust the Seasonings

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning accordingly to your liking. You can add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to make it uniquely yours.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the creamy chicken and wild rice soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve it piping hot to fully enjoy the comforting flavors and nourishing qualities of this hearty soup.

Adjusting the Seasonings for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Now that you have combined all the ingredients in your pot, it’s time to taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. Every palate is different, so it’s essential to adjust the flavor to your liking.

Start by adding a small amount of salt and pepper to the soup. Stir gently and taste again. Repeat until the soup is seasoned to your preference. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes.

For a more herbal note, add some fresh thyme or rosemary to the pot. These herbs pair well with the creamy base and the earthy flavor of wild rice.

Remember to add seasonings slowly and taste the soup as you go. You can always add more, but it’s tough to remove the flavors once they are in the soup.

Once you are satisfied with the seasoning, turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld together, making the soup even tastier.

Your creamy chicken and wild rice soup is now ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic soup.

Serving and Enjoying

Congratulations! You have successfully made a delicious and creamy chicken and wild rice soup. It’s time to enjoy your hard work by serving it up and savoring each spoonful of this hearty soup.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the soup hot, either by itself or with a side salad or crusty bread.

As you enjoy your soup, take a moment to appreciate the comforting and nourishing qualities of this classic dish. The creamy texture, tender chicken, chewy wild rice, and savory mushrooms all come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Don’t forget to share your creation with others and spread the joy of homemade soup. You can also use any leftovers for an easy and comforting meal later in the week.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers of this creamy chicken and wild rice soup, you can easily store them for later. First, make sure the soup has cooled down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave until it’s completely hot. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup has thickened, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your liking.

This soup is perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option. So go ahead and make a big batch for yourself and your family to enjoy throughout the week!

Variations and Tips

Looking to switch up your creamy chicken and wild rice soup? Try these variations and tips:

• For added vegetables, try adding diced carrots, celery, or even spinach to the soup.
• To make the soup spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• For a more intense mushroom flavor, try using a combination of different types of mushrooms.
• If you prefer a thinner soup, use less wild rice or add additional broth to the creamy base.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk.

Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Use these tips as a starting point and get creative with your creamy chicken and wild rice soup!

Conclusion

There you have it, a recipe for a decadent and comforting creamy chicken and wild rice soup. Follow these steps to create a dish that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.

Variations and Tips

Don’t be afraid to make this soup your own! Consider adding in other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also adjust the level of spice to your liking by adding more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

If you are short on time, consider using pre-cooked chicken or pre-packaged wild rice. This will save you time and effort while still yielding a delicious result.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Now that you have learned how to make this delicious soup, don’t be afraid to experiment with your own flavor combinations. Enjoy!