Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe | Easy Dinner

Are you searching for a soup that’s both comforting and loved by all? This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is your answer. It’s filled with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh veggies in a creamy broth. It’s the ideal meal for chilly days.

The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes. This makes it a great choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal.

Key Takeaways

• Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
• The soup features a blend of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a rich, velvety broth.
• Wild rice, despite its name, is a unique variety of wild aquatic grass from North America with a distinct flavor and texture.
• The recipe can be customized with additional vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• This soup is a family-friendly dinner option that can be made ahead and reheated throughout the week.

Why This Comforting Wild Rice Soup Will Become Your Family Favorite

Get ready to enjoy the amazing flavors of our creamy chicken and wild rice soup! It’s a hearty, nutritious dish perfect for winter. The secret? Delicious wild rice.

What Makes Wild Rice Special

Wild rice, from the Americas, brings a nutty taste and chewy texture. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. Its long, dark grains look great in the creamy broth and chicken.

Health Benefits of This Hearty Soup

This soup is not just tasty but also full of good stuff. Chicken, wild rice, and veggies like celery and carrots make it nutritious. The coconut milk broth adds creaminess without feeling heavy.

Perfect for Cold Weather Comfort

When it’s cold outside, nothing warms you up like a bowl of soup. This creamy chicken and wild rice soup is perfect for cold weather. It’s filling and makes you feel cozy.

Looking for a nourishing dinner or a dish to impress family and friends? This soup is a winner. Its unique taste, health benefits, and ability to warm your heart make it a standout comfort food.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Making a delicious Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup starts with picking the right ingredients. This soup is a mix of healthy, tasty parts that make a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Let’s explore the key elements that make this recipe a hit with families.

The soup’s core is wild rice or a wild rice mix. This whole grain is packed with nutrients and has a nutty taste that goes well with the other ingredients. To balance the rice, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used. They add lean and tender meat to the soup.

The soup’s flavor comes from vegetables like yellow onion, garlic, and mushrooms (such as shiitake, cremini, or white button). Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme also add to the aroma and taste.

The creamy broth is made with plant-based milk (like almond, cashew, or soy) and pureed white beans. This mix creates a smooth, creamy texture without using heavy cream. A bit of coconut milk adds richness and balance to the broth.

A pinch of crushed red pepper adds a slight kick of heat. Chicken or vegetable stock ties everything together, making the soup comforting and nourishing.

With these key ingredients, you’re ready to make a Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup that your family will love.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making the perfect one-pot meal, like this homemade soup, is simpler than you think. Just follow these easy steps to make a delicious easy soup recipe your family will love.

Preparing the Vegetable Base

Start by cooking the wild rice as the package says, which takes about 40-50 minutes. While the rice cooks, heat a big pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces in the pot until they’re fully cooked, then set them aside.

In the same pot, sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms for about 10 minutes. They should be soft by then. This step adds a lot of flavor to your homemade soup.

Cooking the Wild Rice and Chicken

After the wild rice is done, add it to the pot with the sautéed veggies. Shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it back to the pot. Mix everything together, letting the flavors blend.

Creating the Creamy Broth

In a blender, blend the milk, white beans, and mushroom stems until smooth. This creamy mix will make your one-pot meal thick and velvety. Pour it into the pot with the chicken, rice, and veggies. Add the chicken stock and coconut milk, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring now and then.

Finally, add any greens you like, like spinach or kale, and let them cook into the easy soup recipe. Your Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is now ready to enjoy!

This homemade soup takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook. It makes about 4 servings, perfect for a weeknight one-pot meal.

Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Options

This creamy chicken and wild rice soup is perfect for leftovers and meal prep. It’s great for saving time on busy weeknights or enjoying flavors longer. This soup has you covered.

For leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. The flavors get better over time, making leftovers even tastier. When reheating, add a bit more stock or water because the wild rice absorbs liquid.

If you like meal prep, cook the wild rice and chicken ahead of time. They can be cooked separately and added to the soup when you’re ready. This makes for a quick and easy meal all week.

For those who freeze, this soup is a great choice. The dairy-free version with coconut milk freezes well. Enjoy this creamy soup on busy days. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Storing or preparing this soup any way, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal. Your whole family will love it. Use leftovers, meal prep, and freezer-friendly options to make this soup a staple at home.

Conclusion

This easy dinner of creamy chicken and wild rice soup is a delightful, family-friendly meal. It’s perfect for cozy, comforting soup nights. The mix of hearty wild rice, tender chicken, and rich broth makes it a satisfying dish.

It’s simple to make and you can add your own touches. This easy dinner soup is great for busy nights, meal prep, or when you have guests. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side.

So, invite your loved ones over. Serve up a steaming bowl of this comforting soup. Enjoy the warmth and nourishment it brings. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

FAQ

What makes wild rice unique?

Wild rice is not actually rice. It’s a type of wild aquatic grass from North America. It has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture, unlike regular rice.

What are the health benefits of this soup?

This soup is full of veggies, giving you important vitamins and minerals. Wild rice adds protein, fiber, and nutrients. Together, chicken, wild rice, and veggies make a meal that’s both healthy and filling.

Why is this soup perfect for cold weather?

The creamy broth and hearty ingredients make it a great comfort food for cold weather. Chicken, wild rice, and veggies make it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

The main ingredients are wild rice or a wild rice blend, and boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast. You’ll also need yellow onion, garlic, and mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, or white button. Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, crushed red pepper, plant-based milk, white beans, chicken or vegetable stock, and coconut milk are also key. Optional ingredients include collard greens or kale.

How do I prepare this soup?

First, cook the wild rice separately. In a big pot, brown the chicken pieces and set them aside. Then, sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms in the same pot.

Blend milk, white beans, and mushroom stems until smooth. Mix the sautéed veggies, blended mix, chicken stock, browned chicken, cooked wild rice, and coconut milk in the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes. Shred the chicken and add greens at the end.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. The flavors get better over time, making leftovers even tastier. You can cook the rice and chicken ahead of time. Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Source Links

• Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – https://thesuburbansoapbox.com/easy-creamy-chicken-wild-rice-soup-2/
• Chicken & Wild Rice Soup – Cozy + Creamy – https://iowagirleats.com/chicken-wild-rice-soup/
• Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – https://whatsmomcookin.com/creamy-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup/
• Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe | Pamela Salzman – https://pamelasalzman.com/creamy-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-recipe/
• It’s Decided: This Creamy Midwestern Chicken Soup Will Be Keeping Me Warm All Winter Long – https://www.seriouseats.com/chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-recipe-8720577
• Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup – https://vikalinka.com/creamy-chicken-wild-rice-soup/
• Creamy Chicken And Wild Rice Soup – https://www.erinliveswhole.com/creamy-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup/
• Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup – https://soupaddict.com/creamy-chicken-wild-rice-soup/
• Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – Slow Cooker Comfort – https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/creamy-chicken-wild-rice-soup/
• Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup  – https://sailorbailey.com/blog/creamy-chicken-wild-rice-soup/
• Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe – https://www.billyparisi.com/chicken-wild-rice-soup-recipe/
• Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – https://thecozycook.com/chicken-and-wild-rice-soup/
• The BEST Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup – https://saltedmint.com/chicken-wild-rice-soup/
• Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe (Panera Copycat) – Nena’s Wellness Corner – https://nenaswellnesscorner.com/creamy-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-recipe-panera-copycat/
• Quick and Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup | glutenfreecrumbley.com – https://glutenfreecrumbley.com/soups/the-ultimate-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-recipe/
• Panera Chicken And Wild Rice Soup: Quick & Easy Recipe • – https://usafresheats.com/panera-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-recipe/