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Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: A Comforting Classic

Close-up of a hearty bowl of creamy wild rice soup loaded with shredded chicken, diced carrots, and fresh parsley.

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Make this rich, creamy chicken and wild rice soup at home. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup cooked wild rice blend
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook until they release their moisture and start to brown slightly, about 5 minutes more.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This step thickens your soup base.
  4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the broth thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, dried thyme, pepper, and salt. Let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes so the flavors combine.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk or half-and-half. Heat through gently for 2 to 3 minutes, but do not allow the soup to boil once the dairy is added.
  7. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • If you are using uncooked wild rice, cook it separately according to package directions before adding it to the soup base.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with an equal amount of cooked lentils or extra mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • You can use leftover turkey meat instead of chicken for a great way to use up holiday leftovers.
  • If you want a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the milk.

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