Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe—it’s one of my absolute favorites for chilly evenings when you want something cozy and nourishing without the fuss. This soup hits that perfect balance of creamy richness with tender chicken and hearty wild rice, making every spoonful like a warm hug. Plus, it’s a dish that’s surprisingly easy and quick to pull together, which doesn’t hurt on those busy days.

What makes this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe truly special is the way the flavors meld together—the gentle sweetness of carrots and onions, the savory depth from garlic and chicken broth, and the creamy finish from heavy cream. I love how customizable it is too, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a comforting meal for yourself. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen as it has in mine.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe are simple pantry staples that come together to make something truly comforting. Each plays a role—whether it’s the richness of the butter and cream, or the chewy wild rice bringing texture and heartiness.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose what you prefer; thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor.
• Kinders The Blend Seasoning or garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper: This seasoning is the secret magic that layers in savory depth without complexity.
• Avocado oil (or neutral oil): Perfect for sautéing chicken without overpowering its natural flavor.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and creaminess—don’t be shy with it, it really makes a difference.
• Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and texture, and softens beautifully during cooking.
• Carrots: Bring subtle sweetness and color, making the soup feel fresh and wholesome.
• Celery stalks: Adds a mild aromatic crunch that balances the creamy base.
• Garlic cloves: Essential for that warm, savory punch.
• All purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to the perfect creamy consistency.
• Chicken broth: The backbone of flavor—opt for a quality broth or homemade if you can.
• Heavy cream: Gives the soup its luxurious texture and indulgent flavor.
• Ben’s Original Long Grain and Wild Rice (fast cook variety): Quick cooks save time but regular wild rice works with a bit more patience.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love sharing this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe as a base you can customize easily—sometimes I swap out the chicken thighs for breasts or add more garlic if I’m craving an extra punch. You can totally make it your own depending on what’s in your pantry or what flavors you’re craving that day.

• Variation: I’ve tried adding a handful of fresh thyme or rosemary for a herby twist that brightens the soup beautifully.
• Dietary adjustment: For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Rice options: If wild rice is tricky to find, a mix of brown rice and jasmine rice also works great; just watch your cooking times.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken filets thoroughly with Kinders The Blend or your chosen spices—don’t be shy here, you want that flavor to really penetrate. Heat your avocado oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sear the chicken pieces about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside to cool before chopping or shredding it; this step locks in juicy flavor and creates a lovely base for your soup.

Step 2: Build Your Base with Veggies

In the same pot, add a tablespoon of butter and toss in your diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery. Cooking these down gently for about 10 minutes draws out their sweetness and softens them nicely, setting the stage for rich flavor. Then stir in minced garlic and cook another minute—watch closely here so it doesn’t burn, as garlic can get bitter fast.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Liquids

Next, stir in the remaining butter and melt it completely before sprinkling in the flour. Cooking the flour for about three minutes helps eliminate that raw taste and starts thickening your soup. Slowly add your chicken broth, stirring constantly, followed by heavy cream to create that luscious, creamy texture. This step might seem intimidating, but just take your time to stir so it’s smooth without lumps.

Step 4: Add Wild Rice and Chicken Then Simmer

Open your fast-cook wild rice boxes and toss the rice and seasoning packets into the pot. Then add your cooked chicken back in and stir everything together. Let the soup come to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the soup has thickened to your liking. If you’re using regular wild rice, just extend the cooking time and add extra broth as needed.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for added color and zing. Sometimes I add a dash of freshly cracked black pepper or even a swirl of sour cream to balance out the richness and add a cool contrast that’s just irresistible.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread like a baguette or warm dinner rolls to soak up all that creamy goodness. A light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the soup well, cutting through its richness with fresh acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve it in hollowed-out mini sourdough bread bowls—so fun and adds an extra rustic charm! You can also ladle the soup into pretty mugs or small crocks for cozy individual servings at a dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup in airtight containers in the fridge and it stays delicious for up to three days. The rice tends to soak up the liquid, so make sure you store it with a little extra broth if possible, or add some when reheating to keep it creamy.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable but I recommend doing so before adding the cream to prevent texture changes. When thawing, add cream fresh and heat gently. This keeps your soup tasting fresh without losing that lovely creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring gently to redistribute any creaminess and adding broth as needed to loosen the texture. I find microwaving works fine too—just heat in short bursts and stir to avoid curdling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the kind of food that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family or curling up with a good book. I can’t wait for you to make it yourself and see how it becomes one of your cherished comfort foods too.

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