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Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

4.7 from 25 reviews

This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, creamy broth enhanced with lemon and poultry seasoning. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice

  • 1/2 cup uncooked wild rice

Chicken

  • 1 pound raw chicken breasts, cut into small, bite-sized pieces
  • 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning, divided

Vegetables

  • 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 medium leek, chopped (light green and white parts only)
  • 2 ribs celery, diced (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1 medium carrot, diced or thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup half and half, divided
  • Juice from one lemon (about 1 tablespoon, plus optional extra tablespoon)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice: Prepare the wild rice according to package directions using a 1:3 rice to water ratio. Cook covered at an active simmer for about 40 minutes until tender and resembling a hot dog bun in texture. You can cook the rice ahead of time or simultaneously with the soup preparation.
  2. Sauté the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large 4- to 5-quart Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat until shimmering. Toss the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning and add to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken to a bowl and do not clean the pot.
  3. Cook the vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil or butter to the pot. Add diced onion, chopped leek (light green and white parts only), celery, and carrot. Cook the vegetables, covered, for about 10 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Add flour and seasonings: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the softened vegetables. Add in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning. Stir well to combine; the mixture will be quite thick and pasty. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Create the base: Gradually add about 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup of half and half to the pot, stirring constantly to fully incorporate the thick vegetable mixture and smooth it out slightly. Then pour in the remaining chicken broth and add the last teaspoon of poultry seasoning. Increase heat to medium-high to bring to an active boil, then reduce to maintain a gentle, bubbly simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently as the soup thickens.
  6. Finish the soup: Stir in the remaining half and half along with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Bring the soup back to a gentle bubble, then turn off the heat. Add the cooked chicken pieces and wild rice. Taste carefully because the soup will be hot; adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. For extra brightness, add another tablespoon of lemon juice if needed.
  7. Rest and thicken: If time allows, keep the soup over low or warm heat for 30 minutes to let it thicken further and allow flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

  • Wild rice can take about 40 minutes to cook and absorbs a lot of liquid; cooking separately ensures perfect rice texture.
  • Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content and balances seasoning.
  • You can substitute butter or olive oil based on preference; butter gives a richer flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, let it rest or add a bit more flour when cooking the vegetables.
  • Extra lemon juice can enhance brightness and balance creaminess just before serving.
  • Store any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken wild rice soup, chicken soup, wild rice soup, comfort food, creamy soup, dairy soup, easy chicken soup