Velvet Chicken & Wild Rice Harmony

Warm, inviting, and incredibly satisfying, this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort food, especially when chilly winds blow. This heartwarming meal is not only a delight to the senses but also surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your weekly menu.

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to chase away the cold and bring a sense of well-being. This particular Cream of Wild Rice Soup is a masterpiece of velvety texture and rich flavor. Inspired by a cherished family recipe, it takes a beloved classic and elevates it further. While my mom’s original version often utilized evaporated milk, I’ve found that incorporating half-and-half creates an even silkier, more luxurious mouthfeel, transforming a simple soup into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Wild Rice Soup in a white bowl with oyster crackers and a sprig of thyme.

Contents

Embrace the Warmth: Why This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a Must-Try

My childhood memories are often flavored with the earthy aroma of wild rice. My mother, with her penchant for unique ingredients, would occasionally procure wild rice, often crossing the state line into Minnesota – a state renowned for its indigenous grain. A simple wild rice soup would then grace our dinner table. While her recipe didn’t typically feature chicken, I fondly recall her thoughtful additions of slivered almonds, finely minced ham, and vibrant shredded carrots, each contributing a delightful layer of texture and taste.

This modern rendition, infused with tender chicken and a creamy base, offers a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly irresistible. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, particularly when the weather takes a turn for the frigid.

Luxuriously Creamy: Thanks to the thoughtful inclusion of half-and-half and a touch of flour, this wild rice soup boasts a thick, rich, and utterly creamy consistency that coats the palate beautifully.
Ultimate Winter Comfort: When the forecast predicts biting winds and subzero temperatures, this hearty soup becomes your culinary sanctuary. It warms you from the inside out, providing nourishing sustenance.
Discover Wild Rice: If you’re new to the distinct chewiness and nutty flavor of wild rice, this recipe offers the perfect, approachable introduction. It showcases this unique grain in a comforting and familiar context, making it an instant favorite.
A Complete Meal: Packed with tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and an array of fresh vegetables, this soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, making dinner planning wonderfully simple.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Even those with discerning palates often find themselves won over by the comforting taste and delightful textures of this soup, proving its universal appeal.

Overhead view of a bowl of wild rice soup with a bamboo handle spoon.

The Journey to a Beloved Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Over the years, my culinary adventures have introduced a variety of grains into our family meals. My usually picky husband, for instance, has often approached my quinoa and farro dishes with a healthy dose of skepticism. So, when I first contemplated adding wild rice to our menu, I wondered if it would face similar scrutiny. I held onto optimism, though, reasoning that at least “wild rice” was a term within his culinary vocabulary, unlike some other, more exotic grains like freekeh that have made their way to our table.

To my pleasant surprise, this wild rice recipe was an unqualified success! Even my son, Nick, home from school for the holiday break, gave it his enthusiastic approval. Though, it’s worth noting that son #2 is a fan of cooking quinoa in his rice maker, so he was an easier sell on the “rice” concept. For those occasions when wild rice isn’t readily available in the pantry, I also highly recommend this delightful Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, another fantastic option for a warm, comforting meal.

Wild Rice: A North American Treasure

Often grouped with true rices, wild rice is actually the grain of a semi-aquatic grass native to North America, particularly abundant in the Great Lakes region. Unlike cultivated rice, it boasts a unique elongated shape, a distinct earthy, nutty flavor, and a delightfully chewy texture. Historically, it was a staple food for many indigenous peoples, valued for its nutritional density and robust flavor. It’s sometimes known as Canada rice, Indian rice, or water oats. Nutritionally, wild rice stands out with a higher protein content than most other cereal grains, making this soup not just comforting but also incredibly nourishing.

Key Ingredients for a Perfectly Creamy Wild Rice Soup

Creating an exceptional soup begins with selecting quality ingredients and understanding their role. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Kitchen Staples: You’ll start with essential pantry items like high-quality olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning. Flour is crucial for thickening, and fresh aromatics like chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaves form the flavorful foundation.
Celery & Carrots: Sliced into uniform pieces, these classic mirepoix vegetables add a natural sweetness, essential texture, and vibrant color to the soup.
Garlic: Minced finely, garlic provides a pungent, aromatic depth that is fundamental to many comforting soup recipes.
White Wine: A splash of dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) contributes a subtle acidity and complexity that brightens the overall flavor profile. Don’t worry about the alcohol content; it will evaporate during the cooking process, leaving behind only its exquisite flavor.
Chicken Broth: The quality of your broth significantly impacts the soup’s taste. I prefer using a good quality, not overly salty, brand like Pacific to ensure you have control over the final seasoning.
Flour: To achieve that perfect, lump-free creaminess, I highly recommend Gold Medal’s Wondra granular flour. Its fine texture makes it less prone to clumping when whisked into hot liquids, ensuring a smooth, velvety consistency. All-purpose flour can also be used, but whisk quickly and thoroughly.
Wild Rice: The star of the show! It must be cooked separately before being added to the soup base. Always follow package instructions for the best results, whether cooking in broth or salted water. This ensures it’s perfectly tender yet retains its characteristic chew.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cooked and shredded, the chicken adds a lean protein element, making the soup a more substantial meal. This is also an excellent opportunity to utilize any leftover roast chicken or a convenient store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Half and Half: This is key for the soup’s signature velvety texture. A pro-tip: warm the half-and-half gently in the microwave before adding it to the hot soup. This crucial step minimizes the risk of curdling, ensuring a perfectly smooth and creamy finish.

Closeup of a bowl of wild rice soup from above.

Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Achieving a restaurant-quality wild rice soup at home is entirely possible with a few key techniques:

PRO-Tip: Pre-Cook Your Wild Rice Separately. This is perhaps the most important tip. Wild rice has a much longer cooking time and requires more liquid than regular rice. It needs to simmer in a generous amount of water or broth for approximately 45 minutes (always check your specific package instructions, as times can vary). After simmering, let it steam, covered, for about 10 minutes. This ensures the rice is perfectly tender and chewy, ready to absorb the rich flavors of your soup without over-thickening the broth or becoming mushy.
Efficient Prep: While your wild rice is gently simmering, use this time wisely to chop all your vegetables. This streamlines the cooking process and makes assembling the soup a breeze.
Don’t Skip the Wine: Just like a pinch of salt enhances nearly any dish, the addition of white wine profoundly elevates the soup’s overall flavor profile, adding a layer of sophisticated depth. If you absolutely must omit it, the soup will still be delicious, but you’ll miss that subtle nuance. Remember, most of the alcohol will cook off during the simmering process, leaving only the exquisite flavor behind.
Choose the Right Thickener: As mentioned, I prefer Wondra flour to thicken the soup. Its fine, granular texture is specially designed to dissolve smoothly into liquids, preventing any unwanted lumps. If using all-purpose flour, ensure you whisk it vigorously to create a smooth roux.
Versatile Chicken: This soup is incredibly versatile. While chicken adds a fantastic protein boost and heartiness, you can certainly make it without if you prefer a vegetarian option. It’s also the ideal recipe for utilizing leftover roast chicken, giving new life to previous meals, or quickly putting a store-bought rotisserie chicken to delicious use.
PRO-Tip: Warm the Half and Half. Before incorporating it into the hot soup, gently warm the half-and-half in the microwave or a small saucepan. Warm liquids mix much more seamlessly with other warm liquids, significantly reducing the chance of curdling and ensuring your soup remains perfectly smooth and creamy.

Flavored with fragrant thyme, aromatic bay leaves, and a delicate hint of white wine, this chicken and wild rice soup is a surefire winner in any household. And thankfully, wild rice has become a readily available pantry staple in most supermarkets. So, if your local weather is taking a turn for the worse, I sincerely hope you’ll consider adding this incredible creamy chicken and wild rice soup recipe to your menu. It’s guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your table.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Rice Soup

What Exactly is Wild Rice?

Wild rice, despite its name, is not a true rice but rather the edible grain of a species of semi-aquatic grass (genus Zizania) native to North America. These unique grasses thrive in shallow freshwater environments, particularly in marsh-like areas of the Great Lakes region. It’s also commonly known as Canada rice, Indian rice, or water oats. Nutritionally, wild rice boasts a higher protein content and often more fiber than most other cereal grains, making it a very healthy choice.

Why is Wild Rice Particularly Popular in Minnesota?

Wild rice holds a special place in Minnesota, being designated as its official state grain. It thrives naturally and abundantly in the numerous shallow lakes and waterways across central and northern Minnesota, making it an integral part of the state’s natural heritage and culinary traditions.

How Long Can Uncooked Wild Rice Be Stored?

When stored properly in its original packaging or an airtight container, uncooked wild rice has an impressively long shelf life. It can be kept at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or even in the freezer almost indefinitely without significant loss of quality.

What is the Best Way to Cook Wild Rice?

Always refer to the specific package instructions for your wild rice, as varieties can differ. Generally, wild rice should be simmered in a generous amount of water or broth for about 45 minutes until it begins to split and soften. After simmering, I recommend letting it steam, covered, for an additional 10 minutes off the heat. The goal is for the grains to be tender yet retain a distinct, pleasant chewiness. If you observe the exterior coatings cracking or “butterflying,” taste a couple of grains; it’s likely done.

What Does Wild Rice Taste Like?

Wild rice offers a unique flavor profile that is often described as earthy, nutty, and slightly smoky. While it shares some textural similarities with white rice, its chewiness is more pronounced due to its bran coating, providing a satisfying bite that white rice lacks.

Can Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Be Frozen?

Yes, this creamy soup freezes exceptionally well! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, and adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to restore its creamy consistency.

Explore More Comforting Soup Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed this hearty wild rice creation, you’ll surely love these other warming recipes:

Classic Homemade Chicken Soup
Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup
Rich White Chicken Chili
Flavorful Chicken and Bell Pepper Chili
Discover more of my incredibly comforting Soup and Stew Recipes

This beloved recipe was originally shared in January 2017. The photos and text were thoughtfully updated in 2020 to enhance your cooking experience.

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The Recipe:

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
40 minutes

Yield
4 servings

A comforting chicken and wild rice soup full of herbs and veggies.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup white wine
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste if needed
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
4 cups chicken broth, divided
¼ cup flour (I use Wondra as it’s less likely to form lumps)
8 ounces wild rice, cooked in broth or salted water according to package instructions
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or any leftover chicken)
1 cup half and half, warmed in the microwave.

Instructions

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add celery, carrots, and onions, and cook until soft. Add garlic and saute until fragrant. Add white wine and allow to evaporate.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan, then the flour. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring, to rid the flour of its raw flavor, creating a roux.
Add salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves then slowly whisk in the first cup of the chicken broth until smooth.
Add the remaining broth, the pre-cooked wild rice, and the shredded chicken, and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in the warmed half and half until fully incorporated and the soup is creamy.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Some chicken broth brands are very salty. If you’re using a high-sodium broth, your soup may require less added salt. Conversely, with a low-sodium brand, you might need to increase the seasonings to achieve the perfect balance of flavor. Always taste and adjust as you go!

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