The Coziest Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe Ready in 30

Hearty chicken and wild rice combine in a wholesome culinary experience that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Robust flavors meld together, creating a symphony of textures and aromas that dance across your palate.

Nutritious ingredients redefine this classic dish into a nourishing meal that speaks to both hunger and heart.

Tender protein intertwines with earthy grains, offering a balanced approach to home cooking that feels both familiar and exciting.

Rich layers of seasoning elevate the simple components, turning an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Homemade goodness radiates from every carefully prepared bite, connecting you to time-honored cooking traditions.

Warm and inviting, this recipe represents more than just sustenance – it’s a celebration of home-cooked warmth.

Key Tips for Chicken and Wild Rice Success

• Boost Rice Texture: Rinse wild rice blend thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure a fluffy, separate grain consistency.
• Enhance Chicken Flavor: Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to promote better browning and develop deeper, richer caramelized notes.
• Control Moisture Balance: Use low-sodium chicken broth to manage salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty during the long simmering process.
• Elevate Herb Freshness: Add fresh thyme and rosemary at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant aromatics and prevent herb bitterness.
• Perfect Cream Integration: Temper heavy cream by adding a small amount of hot liquid before stirring into the pot, preventing potential curdling and ensuring a smooth, silky sauce.

Storing Chicken and Wild Rice the Smart Way

• Refrigeration: Store the chicken and wild rice dish in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The creamy texture and delicate herbs will stay fresh when properly sealed.
• Reheating: Warm the leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Freezing Option: For longer storage, freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Complements Chicken and Wild Rice

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: A buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay complements the creamy texture of the dish, balancing its rich flavors with a smooth, refreshing finish.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Sourdough Bread: Warm, rustic sourdough perfectly soaks up the savory sauce, adding a delightful crunch and extra depth to each bite.
• Match with Roasted Autumn Vegetable Salad: A light salad featuring roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a bright, fresh contrast to the hearty chicken and wild rice.
• Enhance with Herbal Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with fresh herbs like parsley and chives brings a zesty, clean element that cuts through the dish's richness.

Chicken and Wild Rice Spin-Offs

• Rustic Mediterranean Chicken Rice: Replace wild rice with orzo pasta and add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Swap thyme and rosemary for fresh oregano and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pot: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and cumin. Substitute heavy cream with Mexican crema and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime zest for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Herb Chicken Rice: Add sautéed cremini and shiitake mushrooms during vegetable cooking stage. Include chopped fresh parsley and a splash of white wine for enhanced earthy undertones. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Chicken Rice: Include minced ginger and garlic during vegetable sauté. Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and season with soy sauce and sesame oil. Finish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added complexity.

Chicken and Wild Rice Overview

• Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal that hugs your taste buds with layers of smoky, savory goodness from perfectly seasoned chicken and aromatic herbs.
• Master Effortless Cooking Technique: By using a single pot and building flavors gradually, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish without complicated steps, making it perfect for beginners and experienced chefs alike.
• Enjoy Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Wild rice blend provides complex carbohydrates and protein, while vegetables and chicken deliver essential nutrients, creating a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nutritional needs in one delicious preparation.
• Warm Up with Weeknight Convenience: Ready in under an hour, this recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking a comforting, home-cooked dinner that feels special without requiring hours of preparation.

What Goes in Chicken and Wild Rice

• Chicken Pieces: Lean protein that provides the hearty base of the dish, choose bone-in pieces for more flavor and moisture.

• Onions, Celery, Carrots: Classic mirepoix blend that creates a flavor foundation, fresh and crisp vegetables add depth and nutrition.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds bold, pungent flavor to the entire dish, choose fresh cloves for the best taste.

• Wild Rice Blend: Nutty and textured grain that gives the dish a robust character, select a mix with multiple rice varieties for complexity.
• Chicken Broth: Rich liquid that provides moisture and depth, use low-sodium for better control of seasoning.

• Kosher Salt, Fresh Ground Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Essential seasoning blend that enhances chicken's natural flavor, adjust to personal taste preference.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Fresh herbs that add earthy and aromatic notes, use fresh sprigs for most intense flavor.
• Bay Leaves: Subtle, complex herb that infuses the dish with gentle background flavor.

• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a creamy consistency, all-purpose works best.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables, use unsalted for better control.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates a non-stick surface for browning chicken, neutral flavor works well.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, silky finish to the dish, full-fat version recommended.

Cook Chicken and Wild Rice Step-by-Step

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Brown chicken on both sides until fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Saute Vegetable Base

• Onions
• Celery
• Carrots

Cook until vegetables become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Infuse with Aromatic Garlic

Lower heat and add minced garlic. Stir for 30 seconds. Sprinkle flour and continue cooking, constantly stirring to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 4: Introduce Wild Rice Mixture

• Wild rice blend
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaves

Increase heat to medium and bring to a gentle boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 40 minutes until rice reaches tender consistency.

Step 5: Create Creamy Finale

• Heavy cream
• Fresh thyme
• Rosemary

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creation!

Hearty Chicken And Wild Rice Delight Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Delight brings Wisconsin comfort to your dinner table with tender chicken nestled in creamy wild rice. Perfectly seasoned and packed with rich flavors, this classic Midwestern casserole will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 ¼ pounds (567 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) butter
• ⅓ cup (42 grams) flour
• 1 cup (180 grams) wild rice blend
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 bay leaves
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Warm a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add vegetable oil, creating a sizzling cooking surface for the chicken pieces seasoned with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoky paprika.
2. Carefully brown the chicken on both sides until thoroughly cooked, ensuring a golden exterior and tender interior. Transfer the chicken to a covered plate to retain warmth.
3. In the same pot, melt butter and introduce diced onions, chopped celery, and sliced carrots, gently sautéing until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
4. Reduce heat to low and introduce minced garlic, stirring for approximately 30 seconds to release its fragrant notes. Sprinkle flour evenly, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and create a smooth base.
5. Pour in the wild rice blend, chicken broth (473 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces), and bay leaves, elevating the heat to medium and bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Cover the pot, reduce heat to a low simmer, and allow the rice to cook for 40 minutes, or until the grains become tender and absorb the flavorful liquid.
7. Reintegrate the cooked chicken into the pot, allowing the ingredients to meld together during a brief additional simmering period.
8. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream (118 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces), fresh thyme, and fragrant rosemary, creating a luxurious and creamy final touch to this hearty dish.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by browning chicken thoroughly before removing from the pot, ensuring each piece develops a rich, golden exterior that locks in delicious juices.
• Create a smooth base by gradually adding flour and stirring constantly to prevent clumping, which helps achieve a velvety texture in the final dish.
• Choose a wild rice blend for complex nutty undertones and varied textures that elevate this hearty chicken stew beyond ordinary recipes.
• Allow sufficient simmering time to help rice absorb liquid and develop tender consistency, typically 35-45 minutes depending on specific rice blend.
• Finish with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to brighten the rich, creamy sauce and add aromatic depth to the entire meal.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to season precisely without risking an overly salty result.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg