Name: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; ¾ cup uncooked wild rice blend; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Facebook

Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate comfort food, this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a velvety, creamy broth, it's the kind of soul-warming meal you'll crave on chilly evenings, rainy days, or whenever you need a cozy pick-me-up. Trust me—one spoonful and you'll feel the love. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug

Richly comforting: The creamy broth wraps you up in warmth and flavor with every bite.
Perfect for meal prep: Makes hearty leftovers that taste even better the next day!

Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike—no picky eaters here.
Nourishing and filling: Loaded with protein, veggies, and whole grains to keep you satisfied.
Easy to customize: Adapt the ingredients to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftovers work great)
1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup water
1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Wild Rice

Add the wild rice blend and chicken broth to the pot. If you're using mushrooms, add them now. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the wild rice is tender and slightly chewy.

Step 3: Add Chicken

Stir in the cooked shredded chicken. Let it warm through for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

In a small bowl, whisk together flour and water until smooth. Slowly pour the mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the broth thickens slightly. Gradually stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve piping hot for the full comfort effect!

Notes for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug

For even creamier texture, substitute half of the broth with whole milk or use all heavy cream. Learn about different types of cream here.

Short on time? Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save effort.
Wild rice can take longer to cook; check out this wild rice cooking guide if you need more guidance.

Variations for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug

Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth.

Dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk for half-and-half and use olive oil instead of butter.
Extra veggies: Add chopped spinach, kale, or bell peppers in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Required Equipment

Large Dutch oven or soup pot

Cutting board and chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk

Ladle

Storage Instructions for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug

Let soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess if needed.

Serving Recommendations for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug

Pair with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or homemade biscuits.

Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.
Top with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for even more flavor.

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug

For a silkier soup, use an immersion blender to puree part of the vegetables before adding the chicken.

Let the soup sit for 10 minutes before serving—the flavors deepen as it rests (read more here).
Don’t overcook the wild rice; check for doneness at 40 minutes to ensure perfect texture.

FAQ: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug

Can I use uncooked chicken?: Yes, add 1 pound of raw, diced chicken with the broth and simmer until fully cooked (about 25-30 minutes), then shred before adding cream.
Is this soup gluten-free?: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How can I make it lower in fat?: Substitute half-and-half with whole or low-fat milk, and use less butter or a heart-healthy oil like olive oil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Facebook
Twitter
class="essb_item essb_link_pinterest nolightbox essb_link_svg_icon"> Pinterest
LinkedIn

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug