Comforting Chicken Soup With Wild Rice

Few things are as soothing as a warm, fragrant bowl of chicken soup with wild rice. With its rich broth, tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and colorful vegetables, this dish delivers the perfect blend of flavor and nourishment. Whether you’re curled up on a chilly evening or need something hearty after a busy day, this soup has you covered.

The beauty of chicken soup wild rice recipes lies in their versatility. You can make them on the stovetop for a quick fix, or in the slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Whichever method you choose, this is a recipe that brings comfort in every spoonful.

If you’ve been searching for crockpot chicken and wild rice soup, easy chicken and wild rice soup, or simply a foolproof version of wild rice and chicken soup, this one ticks every box. It’s the cozy cousin of our Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna—different, yet equally satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Soup With Wild Rice Recipe

There’s more to this chicken soup with wild rice than just flavor:

• Nutrient-rich – Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from wild rice and vegetables.
• Adaptable – Works for stovetop, Instant Pot, or crockpot methods.
• Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day.
• Comfort in a bowl – Ideal for cold weather, sick days, or any time you want a cozy meal.

Compared to simple brothy chicken soups, this rice chicken soup is heartier and more filling, much like our satisfying Slow Cooker Pierogi Kielbasa Casserole.

Ingredients for Chicken Soup With Wild Rice (Exact Measurements)

To make a pot of about 6 servings, you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Chicken Soup With Wild Rice

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven (at least 6-quart)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving
• Slow cooker (if making crockpot chicken and wild rice soup)

If you already enjoy recipes like our Balsamic Chicken Breast or Chicken Cordon Bleu, these tools will be familiar.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Chicken Soup Wild Rice

Step 1 – Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 2 – Add chicken and rice
Place chicken breasts directly into the pot. Add wild rice, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Stir gently.

Step 3 – Simmer the soup
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 45–50 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked.

Step 4 – Shred the chicken
Remove chicken from the pot, shred with two forks, and return to the soup.

Step 5 – Make it creamy (optional)
Whisk flour into milk, then stir into the soup. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6 – Season and serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley.

This approach is similar in ease to our Easy Creamy Chicken Pot Pie, yet delivers a completely different flavor profile.

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Tips for Making the Best Rice Chicken Soup Every Time

• Rinse wild rice to remove excess starch.
• Don’t overcook – wild rice can become too soft if simmered excessively.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor.
• For speed, add rotisserie chicken in the last 15 minutes.

These tips also apply to hearty recipes like Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipes

• Adding milk too early – may curdle; add at the end.
• Not seasoning enough – wild rice soaks up flavor.
• Using too much rice – it expands a lot, so 1 cup per 6 cups of broth is plenty.

Avoiding these pitfalls will give you the same consistent quality as our Soy Chicken Recipe.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Chicken Soup With Wild Rice Recipes

• Serve in rustic bread bowls like we do with Roasted Sweet Potato Soup.
• Garnish with fresh herbs or a swirl of cream.
• Pair with crusty bread or homemade Ciabatta Bread.

Best Sides to Pair With Wild Rice and Chicken Soup

• Freshly baked cornbread
• Garlic Parmesan breadsticks
• Steamed vegetables
• Kale Caesar Pasta Salad for freshness
• Easy Watermelon Salad for BBQ for summer

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Soup With Wild Rice

Storage:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Warm gently on the stovetop, adding broth if needed.

Enjoy it with a refreshing Watermelon Chamomile Tea Cooler for a complete meal.

Tasty Variations of Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Mushroom addition – earthy depth.
• Spicy twist – red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
• Dairy-free – coconut milk instead of cream.
• Extra greens – stir in spinach or kale.

If you like twists like these, you might also enjoy our Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Soup Wild Rice

Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but it cooks faster and has a milder flavor.

Is wild rice healthier than white rice?
Yes, more protein and fiber.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, flavors deepen overnight.

Will this work in the Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high for 25 minutes, natural release.

Final Thoughts: Easy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup for Every Season

This chicken soup with wild rice is warm, hearty, and satisfying. Whether you make it creamy or brothy, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your rotation.

Just like our Balsamic Chicken Breast or Chicken Cordon Bleu, it delivers consistent results, works for any season, and pleases the whole family.

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