Simple Wild Rice Soup with Chicken Recipe

Simple Wild Rice Soup with Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting soup that’s easy to make, look no further than this simple wild rice soup with chicken recipe. With a creamy broth, tender chicken, and the warmth of wild rice, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a nourishing meal.

In this section, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to make this delicious soup from scratch. From the ingredients you’ll need to the step-by-step process, we’ve got you covered. So, put on your apron and get ready to make a cozy and delicious meal for your family and friends.

Key Takeaways:

  • This wild rice soup recipe with chicken is creamy, warm, and perfect for a comforting meal.
  • You’ll need ingredients like chicken, wild rice, carrot, celery, chicken broth, and cream to make this soup.
  • The soup base is made by sautéing vegetables, adding cooked chicken, wild rice, chicken broth, and cream.
  • You can customize the soup by adding additional vegetables or herbs and spices like thyme or rosemary.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of chicken broth or water.

Ingredients for Wild Rice Soup with Chicken

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary ingredients for this delicious wild rice soup with chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients Amount
Chicken 1 pound
Carrot 2 medium-sized, diced
Celery 2 stalks, diced
Wild Rice 1 cup, uncooked
Chicken Broth 4 cups
Heavy Cream 1 cup
Olive Oil or Butter 2 tablespoons
Salt and Pepper To taste

These ingredients will ensure that your wild rice soup with chicken is flavorful and hearty.

Preparing the Chicken and Wild Rice

Start by cooking the chicken until it is fully cooked and tender. You can either roast, boil, or grill the chicken, depending on your preference. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a separate pot, cook the wild rice according to the package instructions until it’s tender.

If the cooked chicken needs to cool down before shredding or dicing it, place it in the fridge for a while. When you’re ready, remove the chicken from the fridge and shred or dice it into small pieces.

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For the wild rice, make sure to rinse it before cooking, to remove any excess starch. Place the rice in a pot and add enough water to cover it by about an inch. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the rice until it’s tender, usually about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of wild rice you’re using.

Tip:

If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked and pre-shredded chicken from the grocery store. This will save you some time in the preparation process and make the recipe even easier.

Sauteing the Vegetables

Now it’s time to give the soup some depth of flavor. Start by getting your large pot and heating it over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter, and once it’s hot, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot.

Saute the vegetables for about 5-6 minutes or until they start to become tender. The carrots and celery will release their flavors as they start to cook and this will help enhance the taste of the soup. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning and to ensure even cooking.

Once the vegetables are slightly softened, you can move on to the next step of making the soup base.

Making the Soup Base

To make the creamy soup base for your wild rice soup with chicken, add the cooked chicken and wild rice to a large pot with chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Stir in the cream to create a rich and creamy broth. The cream adds a velvety texture and richness to the soup.

You can adjust the consistency of the soup to your liking by adding more or less cream. Keep in mind that the soup will thicken as it cooks, so you may need to add more broth if it becomes too thick.

Once your soup has the desired consistency, let it simmer for a few more minutes to ensure it’s heated through. The aroma of the creamy broth and tender chicken will make your mouth water.

Optional: Adding Flour for a Thicker Base

If you prefer a thicker soup base, you can add flour to the mixture.

Ingredients: Instructions:
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir until well combined. Cook the mixture for an additional minute to cook off the flour taste before adding the chicken broth.

The flour will thicken the broth and give the soup a more substantial texture. However, you should add the flour in small amounts to avoid clumping or making the soup too thick.

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Your creamy wild rice soup with chicken is now ready to be seasoned and served.

Seasoning and Serving the Soup

Now that your wild rice soup with chicken is ready, it’s time to add the finishing touches. First, give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.

Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes to ensure it’s heated through. This will also help the flavors meld together even further. When ready, ladle the soup into bowls and serve while it’s still warm. You can garnish the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if you want to add an extra layer of flavor and freshness.

Variations and Additions

Looking to add a twist to your wild rice soup recipe? There are several ways you can customize this dish to suit your taste and preferences.

Add More Vegetables

Looking for more texture and flavor? Add more vegetables to your soup! Mushrooms, peas, and corn are all great options that will complement the flavors of the wild rice and chicken. Simply dice them up and add them to the pot when sautéing the carrots and celery.

Experiment with Spices and Herbs

Enhance the flavor of your wild rice soup with your favorite herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, and sage are all great options that add a warm, savory flavor to the soup.

Try Different Broths

While chicken broth is a classic choice for this recipe, you can also try using beef or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile. Experiment with different broths to find the perfect combination for you.

Make It Creamier or Lighter

If you prefer a creamier soup, add more cream or a splash of milk to the recipe. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream or omit it altogether. You can also try using coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

  1. Additional veggies like mushrooms can be added.
  2. Experiment with herbs and spices like thyme and rosemary.
  3. Try different broths like beef or vegetable.
  4. Make it creamier or lighter by adjusting the amount of cream or using coconut milk.

With these variations and additions, you can make your wild rice soup recipe truly your own and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal anytime.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers of this hearty wild rice soup with chicken, you can easily store it for later consumption. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat it again, you can simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.

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However, keep in mind that the soup may thicken when chilled, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out before reheating. This will help restore the soup’s original consistency and texture.

If you plan on freezing the wild rice soup with chicken, make sure to do so before adding the cream. Cream-based soups tend to separate when frozen and thawed, so it’s best to add the cream when you’re reheating the soup. You can freeze the soup in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully made a delicious and creamy wild rice soup with chicken. This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a comforting meal. The warmth of the wild rice and the tenderness of the chicken will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Remember, this recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste. Feel free to add additional vegetables like mushrooms or peas for extra texture and flavor. You may also add herbs and spices like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall taste of the soup.

If you have leftovers, store the wild rice soup with chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin out the soup as it may thicken when chilled.

We hope you enjoyed this wild rice soup recipe with chicken. Try it today and enjoy a delicious and nourishing bowl of soup.

FAQ

Can I use different types of rice instead of wild rice?

While wild rice adds a unique flavor and texture to the soup, you can certainly use other types of rice if you prefer. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice you choose.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version of the soup, you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. This will still provide a flavorful base for the soup.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this wild rice soup with chicken. Allow it to cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I add additional spices or herbs to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the soup. Thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add an extra kick to the dish. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of cooking it from scratch?

Yes, using cooked leftover chicken is a great way to make the soup even more convenient. Simply shred or dice the cooked chicken and add it to the soup towards the end of the cooking process to heat it through.

How long does it take to cook the wild rice?

The cooking time for wild rice can vary, but generally, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook wild rice until it’s tender. Follow the instructions on the package for the best results.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken separately?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option for this recipe. Simply shred or dice the rotisserie chicken meat and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through.

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