Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

  1. Rinse the wild rice blend under cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

  1. Add the remaining chicken broth (4 cups) to the pot along with the cooked wild rice.
  2. Stir in the shredded chicken, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Base

  1. In a separate saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. The mixture should be smooth and golden.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk for 3–5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

  1. Slowly pour the creamy base into the soup pot, stirring well to incorporate.
  2. If using heavy cream, stir it in at this stage for an extra velvety texture.
  3. Simmer the soup for an additional 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
  2. Ladle the creamy chicken and wild rice soup into bowls.
  3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

  1. Use High-Quality Broth: A flavorful chicken broth is key to a rich and delicious soup base.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Rice: Wild rice should be tender but still have a bit of chew to maintain its texture.
  3. Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour.
  4. Save Time: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and an instant wild rice blend for a quicker preparation.
  5. Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the soup.

Variations

  1. Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.
  2. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
  3. Cheesy Option: Stir in shredded Parmesan or Gruyère cheese for an indulgent twist.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, offering warmth and nourishment with every spoonful. With its perfectly balanced flavors, creamy texture, and hearty ingredients, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight meal or a leisurely weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Cozy up with a bowl today and savor the rich, comforting flavors of this homemade classic!