Pin A comforting, hearty soup featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth—perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.
Leftover rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups shredded or diced
- Wild rice blend: 3/4 cup uncooked
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Yellow onion: 1 medium diced
- Carrots: 2 medium peeled and sliced
- Celery stalks: 2 sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Chicken broth: 6 cups low-sodium
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: 1/2 cup optional for a creamy version
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Dried rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon
- Bay leaf: 1
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Step 2:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add wild rice blend, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 25 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Step 4:
- Stir in cooked chicken and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Step 5:
- Optional for a creamy soup add the heavy cream or half-and-half and heat gently without boiling.
- Step 6:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf.
- Step 7:
- Ladle soup into bowls garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Pin 
Serve with crusty bread for a heartier meal and enjoy this warm bowl with family on a chilly night.
Required Tools
Large soup pot Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon Ladle
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy if using cream or half-and-half Naturally gluten-free ensure broth and other packaged ingredients are gluten-free if sensitive Double-check all ingredient labels if you have food allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories 320 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 29 g Protein 26 g per serving
Pin This quick chicken and wild rice soup offers comfort and nutrition all in one bowl.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of rice is used in this dish?
A blend of wild rice is used for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, complementing the chicken and vegetables.
- → Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, shredded or diced leftover chicken breast works well, making preparation quicker without sacrificing flavor.
- → How can I make it creamier?
Adding half-and-half or heavy cream near the end of cooking creates a richer, creamier broth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- → Is there a way to add more greens?
Baby spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor?
Dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf infuse the dish with aromatic, earthy notes that balance the savory broth.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain texture and flavor.