This creamy chicken and wild rice soup is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for chilly evenings. The wild rice adds a nutty texture, and the creamy broth makes it rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 4 cups (1 L) chicken broth
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Add Rice, Broth, and Spices
- Add the wild rice to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir in dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Simmer the Soup
- Reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Cream and Chicken
- Once the rice is cooked, add the heavy cream to the soup and stir to combine. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and heat through for about 5 minutes.
Finish and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve
- Ladle the creamy chicken and wild rice soup into bowls. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
This rich and creamy chicken and wild rice soup is sure to become a comforting favorite!
