Save A comforting, hearty soup featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth—perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.
Leftover rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe providing convenience and great flavor.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Grains: 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend
- Vegetables: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion, diced, 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced, 2 celery stalks, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquids: 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Dairy (optional): 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for a creamy version)
- Herbs & Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat Add onion, carrots, and celery Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are softened
- Cook garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
- Add rice and herbs:
- Add wild rice blend, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes or until rice is tender
- Add chicken and simmer:
- Stir in cooked chicken and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through
- Add cream (optional):
- (Optional) For a creamy soup add the heavy cream or half-and-half and heat gently without boiling
- Season and remove bay leaf:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste Remove bay leaf
- Serve:
- Ladle soup into bowls garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot
Save My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this soup especially on chilly evenings.
Required Tools
Large soup pot, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Wooden spoon, Ladle
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy if using cream or half-and-half Naturally gluten-free ensure broth and other packaged ingredients are gluten-free if sensitive
Nutritional Information
Calories 320, Total Fat 11 g, Carbohydrates 29 g, Protein 26 g per serving
Save This soup is a perfect go-to meal that combines nutrition and comfort effortlessly.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?
Yes, shredded leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I make the broth richer?
Simmering with dried herbs like thyme and rosemary infuses depth, and adding cream gently at the end yields a luscious texture.
- → Is wild rice necessary or can I substitute?
Wild rice provides a distinct nutty taste and texture, but you can swap with brown rice or barley if preferred.
- → What vegetables are best for this dish?
Onion, carrots, and celery are classic choices that soften and build flavor when sautéed, but adding spinach near the end adds fresh greens.
- → How should I season for best flavor?
Using fresh parsley as garnish and balancing with salt and pepper enhances each ingredient’s natural taste beautifully.