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Cozy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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A comforting and easy-to-make chicken and wild rice soup with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and fresh herbs, perfect for chilly evenings and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 3/4 cup wild rice blend (about 150g)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (1.4 liters)
  • 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk (240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the wild rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any debris. Dice the onion, celery, carrots, and mince the garlic. Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the rinsed wild rice, dried thyme, crushed rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and toast the rice slightly for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Slowly pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the wild rice is tender but still slightly chewy. Add hot water if the soup becomes too thick.
  5. Stir in the cooked chicken and 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk. Warm gently over low heat, avoiding boiling, and simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
  6. Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add fresh chopped parsley if desired.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm. Pairs well with crusty bread or a green salad.

Notes

Rinse wild rice before cooking to remove debris and keep broth clear. Use low heat to simmer to prevent rice from breaking apart. Avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent curdling. Rotisserie chicken saves prep time. Add fresh parsley before serving for brightness. If soup thickens after resting, stir in broth or water when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, wild rice soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy meals, family dinner, hearty soup

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/cozy-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-recipe-easy-comforting-meals/