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Creamy chicken and wild rice soup served in a bowl with herbs and spices.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

A comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings, combining tender chicken, wild rice, and fresh vegetables for a rich and creamy texture.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup wild rice blend (not instant)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups halal chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for extra greens)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or a small pat of butter.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the raw chicken pieces and wild rice.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, and cover with a lid.
  6. Simmer for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and some grains have popped open.
Creamy Mixture
  1. In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a golden paste.
  2. Slowly whisk the half-and-half into the flour mixture until smooth and thickened.
  3. Pour this creamy mixture into the large soup pot. Stir well to combine.
  4. If using spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt for 2 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Notes

For a richer flavor, sauté the chicken before adding it to the pot. Variations include adding more vegetables or using rotisserie chicken. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend.
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