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Creamy chicken wild rice soup in a rustic ceramic bowl, filled with tender chicken, wild rice, carrots, celery, and fresh parsley in a rich homemade broth.
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Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is rich, comforting, and loaded with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and vegetables in a velvety homemade broth. It's the perfect cozy meal for cold evenings and makes excellent leftovers.
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken and wild rice soup, chicken wild rice soup, comfort food soup, cozy dinner recipe, creamy chicken wild rice soup, creamy soup recipe, creamy wild rice soup, easy soup recipe, family dinner soup, hearty chicken soup, homemade chicken soup, one pot soup, rotisserie chicken soup, wild rice soup recipe, winter soup recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 385kcal
Cost $16 for entire recipe

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot
  • wooden spoon
  • Whisk
  • measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Ladle
  • Small prep bowls (optional)
  • Airtight storage containers (for leftovers)

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 medium carrots diced
  • 3 celery stalks diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • ⅛ teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon paste optional
  • 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Add the thyme, parsley, rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, celery seed, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Stir in the chicken bouillon paste if using.
  • Add the wild rice and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and many grains have split open.
  • Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is creamy and lightly thickened.
  • Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

This creamy chicken wild rice soup is a comforting, family-friendly meal that comes together with simple pantry ingredients and plenty of rich flavor. These helpful tips will ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.

Use a Wild Rice Blend for Best Results

A wild rice blend cooks more evenly and provides a variety of textures compared to pure wild rice. Most blends contain wild rice along with brown, red, or white rice, creating a hearty soup that's both flavorful and satisfying.

Rotisserie Chicken Saves Time

Using shredded rotisserie chicken makes this chicken wild rice soup recipe quick and convenient. It's an excellent shortcut for busy weeknights while still adding plenty of savory flavor.

Adjust the Thickness to Your Preference

Wild rice continues to absorb liquid as the soup sits. If your soup becomes too thick after refrigeration, simply stir in additional chicken broth while reheating until you reach your desired consistency.

Don't Skip the Lemon Juice

A small amount of fresh lemon juice brightens the rich, creamy broth and helps balance the flavors. It won't make the soup taste lemony, but it adds a subtle freshness that enhances the overall dish.

Cook Until the Rice Splits Open

For the best texture, cook the wild rice until many of the grains split open. This is a visual sign that the rice is tender and fully cooked, giving the soup its signature hearty texture.

Add Extra Vegetables for More Nutrition

Feel free to customize your homemade chicken wild rice soup with mushrooms, spinach, kale, or peas. These additions blend beautifully into the creamy broth and add extra nutrients.

Make It Ahead

This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It's an excellent meal prep recipe for lunches and easy weeknight dinners.

Freeze Without the Dairy for Best Results

If you plan to freeze the soup, consider freezing it before adding the milk and cream. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and stir in the dairy for the smoothest texture and best flavor.