Introduction
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy broth. This soup is perfect for chilly days and is sure to warm you up from the inside out. It is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a favorite for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken breast – 1 pound, cooked and shredded
Wild rice – 3/4 cup, uncooked
Carrots – 1 cup, diced
Celery – 1 cup, diced
Onion – 1 cup, chopped
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Chicken broth – 6 cups
Heavy cream – 1 cup
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Thyme – 1 teaspoon, dried
Salt – to taste
Pepper – to taste
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, add the chicken breasts along with chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked, about 25-30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is cooking, chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until they become tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the broth. Add the sautéed vegetables, wild rice, dried thyme, and any additional seasonings you prefer.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the wild rice is cooked through and the soup has thickened.
Step 7: Adjust Consistency
If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Notes
Storage
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
This soup can also be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Cooking Wild Rice
If you prefer, you can cook the wild rice separately according to package instructions and then add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
Substitutions
Feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey or a vegetarian protein option if desired. You can also add other vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach for additional flavor and nutrition.
