Indulge in the warmth and flavor of Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup. This dish is a rich and hearty combination of succulent chicken, earthy wild rice, and a creamy broth that invites you to savor every spoonful. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you seek comfort in a bowl, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Why We Love This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. The tender chicken melds beautifully with the nutty wild rice, while the creamy base adds a luxurious touch that warms the soul. What sets this soup apart is its versatility; you can enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or serve it for special occasions. It’s not just filling but also nourishing, making it an ideal dish for any day of the week.
Ingredients about Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 ribs of celery, finely chopped
- 1 shallot or small yellow onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon of dried thyme
- 6 cups of chicken stock or broth
- 1 pound of chicken breasts (about 2 breasts), sliced in half
- 1 cup of wild blend rice
- ½ cup of butter or vegan butter
- ½ cup of gluten-free flour blend
- 2 cups of milk (any kind)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Directions
- Begin by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped carrots, celery, and shallots or onions. Season these vegetables with salt and pepper, allowing them to cook for about 8-10 minutes. If you’d like to speed up the softening process, you can cover the pot momentarily.
- After your vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme to the pot. Sauté these ingredients for 1-2 minutes until they release their fragrant aromas, enhancing your soup base.
- Next, pour in the chicken stock, stirring it well to combine with the vegetables. Increase the heat to high, cover the pot, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the halved chicken breasts. Cover the pot again and reduce the heat to low. Let this simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken, shred or chop it, and set it aside in the refrigerator.
- Now, it’s time to introduce the wild rice to your pot. Stir in the wild rice, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for 20-30 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally for even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- While the soup simmers, prepare a creamy sauce in a separate saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat and then whisk in the gluten-free flour, stirring for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Once the creamy mixture is ready, whisk it into the soup pot along with the shredded chicken. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes. Taste your soup at this stage and adjust the seasonings as necessary for your palate. Once everything is perfectly seasoned, let the soup rest for a few moments before serving.
- Serve your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup in warm bowls. For an added touch, consider garnishing with fresh herbs and serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
When serving Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup, consider using deep, comforting bowls to highlight the richness of the dish. You can top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to enhance both the visual appeal and flavor. Pair your soup with slices of crusty bread or warm rolls, perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy goodness. If you wish to elevate the experience, a side salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the hearty soup beautifully.
Expert Tips: Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients significantly enhances the flavor profile of your soup. Look for organic chicken and fresh vegetables when possible.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply add more gluten-free flour to your creamy mixture. Alternatively, if you like a thinner consistency, add extra chicken stock or milk to achieve your desired texture.
- Customize It: Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or peas, for added nutrition and color. They can be tossed in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Perfect Leftovers: This soup can be made in advance and stored for later, just be aware that the rice will continue to absorb liquid. You may need to add a little broth or milk when reheating to regain its creamy consistency.
- Make It Vegetarian: You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegetarian version of this soup.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
To store your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure to leave space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, always thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before warming it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup can be adapted in numerous ways to suit your tastes. For a spicier kick, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes during the cooking process. If you enjoy a different flavor dimension, consider incorporating a splash of lemon juice or some zest for a fresh twist. For a heartier version, try adding potatoes or other root vegetables. Replace the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time, or you can use shredded turkey for a fantastic post-holiday meal option. With these simple variations, your soup can stay exciting, making it a dish you return to frequently.
FAQ
What makes Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup special?
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is special due to its rich flavor and comforting texture. It combines tender chicken, nutty rice, and a creamy base, making it a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s perfect for various occasions.
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of wild rice. However, be aware that brown rice requires a longer cooking time, so adjust the simmering time accordingly.
Is Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free flour and ensure your chicken stock is certified gluten-free, this soup can easily be made gluten-free. Always check labels to confirm.
How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
You can enhance the flavor of your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup by adding herbs such as fresh thyme or rosemary. A splash of lemon juice just before serving can also brighten the flavors.
Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup?
Absolutely! You can freeze Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup in airtight containers. Just remember that the texture may slightly change after freezing, so you may need to add a bit of liquid before reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil For sautéing
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped About 1 cup
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
- 1 shallot or small yellow onion, chopped
- to taste salt and pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced in half About 2 breasts
- 1 cup wild blend rice
Creamy Base
- 1/2 cup butter or vegan butter
- 1/2 cup gluten-free flour blend
- 2 cups milk Any kind
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped carrots, celery, and shallots or onions. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cooking the Soup
- Pour in the chicken stock, stirring well. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Add the halved chicken breasts, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, shred or chop it, and set it aside.
- Stir in the wild rice, cover, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Making the Creamy Base
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in gluten-free flour, cooking for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook until thickened.
Final Assembly
- Whisk the creamy mixture into the soup along with the shredded chicken.
- Let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes and adjust seasonings as necessary.
- Let the soup rest before serving in warm bowls, garnished with fresh herbs.
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