Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of soup when the chill of winter sets in. I still remember the first time I whipped up this creamy chicken and wild rice soup—it was a crisp evening, and the aroma dancing in my kitchen felt like a hug from inside. It’s a recipe that embodies comfort, perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or even a quiet night in front of the fire.

Why you’ll love this recipe

The first reason to try this soup is its rich, luscious creaminess that coats every spoonful—it’s like a warm embrace on a cold day. Plus, there’s a beautiful depth of flavor coming from a medley of chicken, mushrooms, and fragrant herbs. The wild rice adds a delightful nutty crunch, transforming every mouthful into a magical experience.

This dish doesn’t just taste divine; it’s incredibly nourishing too. Loaded with protein from the chicken and fiber from the wild rice, it’s a meal that fills you up but doesn’t weigh you down. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a simple night at home, this soup has a knack for impressing everyone while still being effortless to make. So, why not treat yourself tonight?

Ingredients overview

Grab these ingredients before you start your cooking adventure:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Tender, juicy chicken is your main star! You can easily substitute with turkey breast if you’d prefer.
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Use any mushrooms you fancy—cremini or shiitake work wonders! They bring that earthy richness to the table.
• 1 cup wild rice: This isn’t just any rice; it’s a nutty delight that takes your soup to the next level. If you’re in a pinch, brown rice can stand in, but wild rice is truly a gem here.
• 1 onion, chopped: A classic base for flavor; don’t skip this step, as the onion adds sweetness as it cooks down.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Because what’s better than the aromatic goodness of garlic? This little ingredient packs a punch!
• 4 cups chicken broth: Homemade is the gold standard, but store-bought works just fine. Try low-sodium to control how salty your soup ends up.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This adds the luscious, creamy texture that makes this soup comforting heaven. For a lighter twist, you can experiment with half-and-half.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all your flavors.
• 1 teaspoon thyme: A wonderful herb that adds a subtle earthiness. Fresh thyme, if you have it, is fantastic!
• 1 teaspoon parsley: Fresh or dried, parsley gives a fresh finish to the soup.

Preparing Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Time to get cooking! Here’s how to bring this delicious dish to life:

1. Combine your ingredients: In your trusty crockpot, toss in the diced chicken, sliced mushrooms, wild rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, and parsley.
2. Season it up: Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Remember, you can always adjust later, so start with a light hand.
3. Cook it slow: Cover your crockpot and set it on low for 6-8 hours. You want the chicken to be tender, and the wild rice lovely and soft—check back in occasionally.
4. Add cream: Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream. This magic touch transforms your soup from great to utterly luxurious.

Best way to enjoy it

This soup is best served hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a bit of grated parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. It pairs beautifully with a crusty piece of bread or a light salad to cleanse the palate. Picture it: a cozy bowl of soup in hand, a slice of artisanal bread slathered in butter, and the world outside fading away.

Storage and reheating tips

If you find yourself with leftovers—lucky you! Simply transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove until steaming, adding a splash of broth if needed. You can also freeze it for up to three months, just make sure to leave some space in your container as soup expands!

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few pro tips to up your soup game:

• Toast those spices: Pop the thyme and parsley in the pot for a minute before adding the liquid for deeper flavor.
• Veggie boost: Sneak in some diced carrots or celery for added nutrition and taste.
• Make it your own: Don’t hesitate to play around with spices—cajun seasoning or even a dash of hot sauce can introduce an exciting kick!

Creative Twists

The beauty of this soup is its versatility! Maybe you want to go Italian? Toss in some diced tomatoes and spinach for a fresh twist. Or how about adding a few cups of kale for an extra health boost? Consider swapping in quinoa for a high-protein alternative to wild rice. There are endless avenues to explore!

Ingredients list

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup wild rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon parsley

Directions to follow

1. In a crockpot, combine the diced chicken, sliced mushrooms, wild rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, and parsley.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream just before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!

Your questions answered

How long does it take to make?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, but you need to wait 6-8 hours for cooking. Patience is a virtue!

Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just adjust your cooking time accordingly, as frozen chicken may need an extra hour or so.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or even coconut cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative!

Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Carrots, celery, or even spinach can be lovely additions. Just chop them up and add to the crockpot.

What do I serve with it?
A simple salad, garlic bread, or even just some crackers on the side are perfect companions for this soup.

As you dive into this creamy chicken and wild rice soup recipe, remember it’s about more than just the flavors—it’s about the warmth, the love, and the stories you share over a comforting bowl. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create something special together. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

Print Recipe

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Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Cooking Method: Simmering Courses: Dinner, Main Course, Soups Recipe Keys: Dairy Gluten Free High Protein Non Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 480 mins Total Time 8 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 350

Best Season: Winter

Description

This creamy chicken and wild rice soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. It's rich, nourishing, and loaded with delightful flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced (Substitute with turkey breast if desired.)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (Cremini or shiitake work well.)
• 1 cup wild rice (Brown rice can be used in a pinch.)
• 1 each onion, chopped (Adds sweetness as it cooks.)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (For aromatic goodness.)
• 4 cups chicken broth (Homemade preferred or low-sodium store-bought.)
• 1 cup heavy cream (For a lighter twist, use half-and-half.)
• to taste salt and pepper (Essential seasonings.)
• 1 teaspoon thyme (Fresh is fantastic!)
• 1 teaspoon parsley (Fresh or dried for garnish.)

Directions

Cooking Steps

1. In a crockpot, combine the diced chicken, sliced mushrooms, wild rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, and parsley.
   Mark as complete
2. Season with salt and pepper.
   Adjust to taste later.
   Mark as complete
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender.
   Mark as complete
4. Stir in the heavy cream just before serving.
   Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 100mg34%

Sodium 900mg38%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 25g9%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 100 mg

Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This soup is versatile; feel free to add in other vegetables like carrots or celery.

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