Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Posted by Posted: Silvy 21 October 2024
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food that combines juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and flavorful wild rice in a delicious broth.

This cozy dish is easy to prepare, making it ideal for a comforting dinner on chilly days. The combination of wild rice and chicken not only adds texture but also enhances the flavor, making it a must-try for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken and wild rice soup. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with vegetables that give you the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.

The secret to nailing this dish lies in cooking the rice separately so it doesn’t absorb too much broth during cooking or storage.

Let’s dive into how you can easily prepare this delightful soup!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup uncooked wild rice
  • 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter

For the Soup:

  • 1 ¼ lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt/Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • ¾ cup carrots, sliced
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 cup packed baby spinach

Seasonings:

  • ¾ teaspoon each: dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon each: dried thyme, black pepper

How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This step-by-step guide will help you whip up a delicious bowl of chicken and wild rice soup.

Step 1: Prepare the Wild Rice

Cook the wild rice according to the package instructions. Typically, it requires cooking 1 cup of uncooked wild rice with 1 ¾ cups of chicken broth. Once it’s done, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter to add flavor. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until it forms a light golden crust. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Afterward, dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Turn the heat off and pour in ½ cup of white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer). Scrape the bottom and sides of the pot with a spatula to deglaze it, lifting all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, which takes about 4 minutes.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add 3 tablespoons of butter, followed by the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, and hot sauce, stirring to combine all the flavors.

Step 5: Make the Roux

Sprinkle 1/3 cup of flour over the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Slowly add the chicken broth in small splashes while stirring to prevent lumps. Then, pour in the heavy cream in the same way, allowing the mixture to thicken.

Step 6: Simmer the Soup

Add the diced chicken back to the pot, along with any juices left on the plate. Stir in ½ chicken bouillon cube and let the soup come to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially and cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Add Spinach

Gently stir in 1 cup of baby spinach and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes. Spinach adds both color and nutrients to this hearty soup.

Step 8: Serve with Wild Rice

For the best texture, add the cooked wild rice to individual bowls and ladle the hot soup on top. If you don’t anticipate leftovers, you can stir the rice directly into the soup pot before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

  • Cook the Rice Separately: Cooking the rice separately ensures that it doesn’t soak up all the broth. Leftovers will be easier to store when the rice and soup are kept in separate containers.
  • Use Bone-In Chicken: If you have bone-in chicken, it will add extra flavor to your broth. Boneless works well too and is often more convenient.
  • Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to cook with wine, feel free to replace it with chicken broth. However, wine adds a unique depth of flavor.
  • Add Mushrooms: For an extra boost of flavor, sauté mushrooms separately in butter and add them to the soup at the end.
  • Pairing Options: Serve this soup with cheddar biscuits, crusty bread, or crackers for a complete meal.

The Final Touch: Adding the Wild Rice

If you don’t expect leftovers, feel free to add the cooked wild rice directly into the soup.

Otherwise, keep the rice and soup separate when serving to prevent the rice from absorbing too much broth. Simply spoon some rice into bowls, ladle the soup on top, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

  • Cook the Rice Separately: Cooking wild rice separately ensures it doesn’t absorb all the broth and turn mushy. This also makes storing leftovers much easier, as the rice won’t soak up excess liquid.
  • Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken breasts or thighs add more flavor to the broth. However, boneless chicken works just as well, and you can even use rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Don’t Skip the Wine: White wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay adds a lovely depth of flavor to this soup. If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, simply replace the wine with extra chicken broth.
  • Make It Creamy or Not: This recipe calls for heavy cream for richness, but if you’d like a lighter version, you can omit the cream and enjoy a broth-based Chicken and Rice Soup instead.
  • Add Mushrooms for Extra Flavor: If you love mushrooms, sauté them separately in butter with a bit of salt and add them to the soup just before serving. It adds another layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory broth.

Storage and Freezing Tips

To store this soup, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months.

Make sure to store the rice and soup separately to maintain their textures. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave and add the rice when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can easily make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup ahead of time! Just keep the rice and soup stored separately in airtight containers and combine them when reheating. This way, the rice won’t soak up too much broth.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Absolutely! While wild rice adds a chewy, nutty flavor to this dish, you can use any rice variety you prefer, such as brown rice or white rice. Keep in mind that different rice types will absorb broth differently.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, simply omit the heavy cream and use a non-dairy substitute like coconut milk or almond milk. The result will still be creamy and delicious without the dairy.

What can I serve with this soup?

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup pairs well with freshly baked bread like Cheddar Bay Biscuits or Buttermilk Biscuits. It’s also fantastic with a light side salad or a serving of Ranch Oyster Crackers.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! This soup freezes very well, just make sure to store the rice and soup separately. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup on the stove and stir in the rice just before serving.

Try These Similar Recipes

If you loved this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, here are a few more cozy soup recipes you’ll enjoy:

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