đź«• Cozy Up with This Hearty Comforting Soup Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup to soothe the soul and satisfy your hunger. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or need some extra coziness during chilly weather, this Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup checks all the boxes: delicious, nutritious, and deeply comforting. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and a creamy herb-infused broth, it’s everything you love about homemade comfort food in one satisfying bowl.
🌟 Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights at home!
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup wild rice blend (uncooked)
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk (for ultra creaminess)
– Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream for extra richness
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic and Build the Base
Stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for another 1-2 minutes. (This helps thicken the soup later.)
3. Pour in Broth and Add Rice
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps from forming. Add the wild rice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
4. Add Chicken and Cream
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through. Pour in the half-and-half or milk (and heavy cream if using) and stir gently until the soup is creamy and heated—but do not boil.
5. Taste and Adjust
Taste your soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt or pepper depending on preference.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with a thick slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comforting meal.
🥄 Pro Tips:
– Prefer dairy-free? Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk and skip the heavy cream.
– Want a vegetarian version? Sub in veggie broth and diced mushrooms in place of chicken.
– Make it ahead! Soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
❤️ Wrapping It Up
This Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is the definition of cozy. It’s the kind of soup that brings people together, invites seconds, and makes your kitchen smell like home. Whether you’re feeding the family or just yourself, this comforting recipe will warm you from the inside out.
Let us know your favorite soup topping or twist in the comments! 🍲 #SoupSeason #ComfortFood #EasyHomeCooking #SoupLove