Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Name: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: ⅓ cup uncooked wild rice; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cups water; 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (diced); ½ cup butter; 1 onion (diced); 1 stalk celery (diced); 1 carrot (peeled and diced); ½ cup all purpose flour; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 cups half and half; ½ teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon salt

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Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a hearty soup perfect for chilly days. Our recipe combines the wild rice with chicken and a rich, creamy broth. Add a hot hunk or Irish soda bread or a homemade baguette for a warm and nourishing lunch or a hearty dinner.

creamy wild rice soup garnished with rosemary.

Why You'll Love This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty soup features tender chicken, flavorful wild rice, and a creamy broth that's packed with rich flavor.

Hearty and Satisfying: It's a truly comforting and filling meal, packed with tender chicken, chewy wild rice, and often vegetables, making it perfect for a chilly day.
Rich, Velvety Texture: The creamy broth creates a luxurious mouthfeel that makes every spoonful feel indulgent and deeply flavorful.
Complete Meal in a Bowl: With protein, grains, and vegetables all combined, it offers a balanced and convenient dinner solution that requires minimal fuss once prepared.

Ingredients Overview

The addition of cooked chicken and wild rice transforms this soup into a hearty and fulfilling meal that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you're craving a cozy lunch or a comforting dinner, this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is sure to hit the spot.

You can use fresh chicken, or dice up some leftover rotisserie chicken, but either way get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this delightful soup and savor every bite.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

ingredients for making creamy wild rice soup.

How To Make Panera's Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

By starting with a flavorful base of sautéed onions, celery, and carrots, and adding a touch of roux for extra creaminess, this soup is packed with flavor in every spoonful. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

Step 1: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the rice, oil, and water. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Do not drain the partially cooked rice. Dice the chicken breast and set both the wild rice and the chicken aside.

sauteeing carrot, onion, and celery in a dutch oven.

Step 2: In a stock pot or dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. To the butter, add the onion, celery, and carrot, cooking for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

thickening the soup base for wild rice soup.

Step 3: Make a roux by whisking flour into the butter and vegetable mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.

cooked wild rice, stock, and vegetables.

Step 4: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, creating a creamy base. Carefully pour the undrained rice and diced chicken into the stock pot and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and soup has thickened a bit.

Pouring in cream to pot of wild rice and broth soup.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the half and half, rosemary, and salt. Continue cooking, uncovered, for an additional 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup as a hearty and satisfying main course with a chunk of crusty bread on the side for dipping. Add grilled cheese sandwiches or a salad for a comforting and delicious combination.

For more rice based dinners, see our 33 One Pot Rice Meals.

Substitutions and Variations

Some useful tips and substitutions when making this recipe:

Top with shredded cheese or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
Any leftover chicken will also be fine, just reduce the simmering to just thickening the soup base.
Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of the chicken breast for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

Helpful tips to help you when making this recipe:

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.
Let the soup simmer for a longer period for deeper flavor development.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey for a quick and easy meal.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.

Storage Options

Here is how I store leftovers when making this recipe:

Leftover Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I thicken the soup without using flour?

If you prefer to avoid flour, you can use cornstarch as a thickener. Create a slurry with cornstarch and cold water, then whisk it into the soup and bring it to a simmer until thickened.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables and cook the roux as instructed in the recipe, then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chicken, wild rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Stir occasionally and adjust seasonings as needed.

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