A Comforting Recipe for Cozy Days
As the weather turns cooler, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty bowl of soup. This creamy wild rice soup with chicken and herbs is the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening. Packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and fresh herbs, this soup is rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome dinner for the family or a dish to warm you up after a long day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For this creamy wild rice soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Wild Rice
Begin by cooking the wild rice according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves simmering the rice in water or broth for about 45-60 minutes until it’s tender but still slightly chewy. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid and set the rice aside. - Prepare the Chicken
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook until they are browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. - Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. - Add the Herbs and Broth
Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and sage, and cook for another minute to release their flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. - Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to simmer the soup for another 10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. - Combine and Season
Add the cooked wild rice and shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together and let it heat through for a few more minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve and Garnish
Ladle the creamy wild rice soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
This creamy wild rice soup with chicken and herbs is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and aromatic herbs creates a rich and flavorful soup that is both nourishing and satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold night or for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to warm you from the inside out.