Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

$- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 medium carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 cup wild rice, rinsed - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When making this creamy chicken and wild rice soup, each ingredient plays a key role. The olive oil starts your dish with a rich base. Onions and garlic add depth and flavor. Carrots and celery bring sweetness and texture, while chicken thighs provide heartiness. Rinsing the wild rice helps remove excess starch, leading to a perfect texture. If you want to switch things up, consider these options: - Use butter or avocado oil instead of olive oil. - Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or tofu for a lighter choice. - Use brown rice or quinoa instead of wild rice for a different bite. - For dairy-free soup, use coconut cream or a non-dairy milk. To measure wild rice properly, use a dry measuring cup. Fill it to the top and level it off with a knife. For chopping vegetables, use a chef's knife. Cut them into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. This helps your soup have a lovely, consistent texture. For the full recipe, check out the Cozy Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Enjoy! Sautéing the vegetables Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 diced onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Cook these veggies together for another 5 minutes, stirring often. This mix builds a tasty base for your soup. Cooking the chicken Now, it's time to add the star of the show: 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Stir well and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken pieces brown nicely. This step gives the chicken flavor and makes it tender. Adding broth and wild rice Next, add 1 cup of rinsed wild rice to the pot. Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmering techniques for best results Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 40 to 45 minutes. Check the rice and chicken to ensure they are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to blend perfectly. Incorporating heavy cream After the simmering time, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Then, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. This makes your soup rich and creamy. It adds a lovely texture that makes every spoonful comforting. Adjusting seasoning Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Let it simmer for an extra 5 to 10 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Now, you’re ready to enjoy this cozy creamy chicken and wild rice soup! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. For a thick soup, you have a few choices. You can use a slurry of cornstarch and water. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the soup. This thickens the soup quickly. Another method is to purée a cup of the soup and return it to the pot. This adds body without extra ingredients. To boost creaminess, use heavy cream as in the full recipe. You can also add a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream. These options work well, too. Just remember to adjust the heat to low after adding dairy. High heat can cause it to curdle. Spices and herbs can elevate your soup. Try adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or paprika for warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley really brighten the dish. If you want a hint of zest, squeeze in some lemon juice. This adds nice acidity and balances the richness. Adding acidity helps the flavors pop. You can use vinegar or lemon juice. Just a little goes a long way. Start with a teaspoon, taste, and adjust as needed. For a cozy meal, pair the soup with crusty bread or warm biscuits. These options complement the soup's richness. You can even serve it with a fresh green salad for a light touch. Garnishing adds a nice finish. Chopped parsley is perfect for color. You could also add croutons for crunch. A sprinkle of paprika on top adds a nice visual pop, too. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this soup. Use turkey or even shrimp for a twist. If you want a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or mushrooms. They add great texture and flavor. You can also replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter version. In fall, add pumpkin or squash for a cozy feel. These ingredients add warmth and a hint of sweetness. For summer, use fresh peas or corn. These bright flavors keep the soup light and refreshing while still being filling. You can change the flavors to fit different cuisines. Add curry powder for a spicy kick. For a Mexican spin, use cumin and top it with avocado and lime. These changes make the soup fun and new. Each version offers a unique taste and experience. Try the Full Recipe to create your own comforting delight! To keep your creamy chicken and wild rice soup fresh, use airtight containers. Allow the soup to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer it to the fridge. Proper refrigeration helps maintain flavor and quality. For freezing, let the soup cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date. Your soup can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, the best method is on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir often to heat it evenly. You can also use a microwave if you're short on time. Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute. To keep the creamy texture, add a splash of broth or cream during reheating. This helps prevent the soup from becoming too thick or grainy. In the fridge, your soup lasts about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, it’s best to throw it away. In the freezer, the soup can stay good for up to three months. Signs of spoilage include freezer burn or changes in color. It’s always better to trust your senses with food safety. Enjoy your soup while it’s fresh for the best taste! What can I substitute for wild rice? You can use brown rice or white rice instead of wild rice. Brown rice will give a nice chewy texture. White rice cooks faster and is softer. Adjust the cooking time based on the rice type you choose. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove before serving. Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, this soup is gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth. Check the labels on your broth and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. How do I know when the chicken is cooked? The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can cut it open to check if it’s white and no longer pink inside. Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely! Using leftover chicken saves time. Just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through. What other vegetables can I add? You can add peas, corn, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Feel free to get creative with your favorite veggies! How to pair this soup with side dishes This soup pairs well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. The flavors complement each other nicely. Best bread or crackers to serve with it Serve this soup with crusty bread or buttery crackers. They are perfect for dipping and add a nice crunch. This blog post covered everything on making a tasty creamy chicken and wild rice soup. We discussed key ingredients, like chicken and wild rice, and how to prepare them for the best flavor. I shared tips for variations and storage methods, so your soup stays fresh. Remember, cooking can be flexible. Feel free to adjust ingredients and flavors to suit your taste. With these steps, you'll craft a comforting meal that impresses everyone! Enjoy your cooking!$

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Warm up this season with a bowl of cozy creamy chicken and wild rice soup! This comforting recipe combines tender chicken, wild rice, and savory veggies in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this soup is easy to prepare and is packed with flavor. Discover the full recipe and learn how to make this delicious dish today. Click through for step-by-step instructions that will make your kitchen the coziest place to be!

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced

1 cup wild rice, rinsed

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.

Stir in the diced chicken thighs and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the rinsed wild rice to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 40-45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Remove the bay leaf from the pot, then stir in the heavy cream. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6