Warm up your soul with a steaming bowl of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup! Packed with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a hint of citrus, this dish is a flavorful hug in a bowl. Whether you’re curling up on the couch or serving a cozy family dinner, this soup is the perfect answer to any chilly day. 🍲
Why Make This Recipe
- It’s hearty, healthy, and packed with fresh flavors.
- A one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare.
- The mix of herbs, lemon, and tender wild rice makes every bite irresistible.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!
How to Make Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients:
- 3 cups pre-cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken bone broth
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp cassava flour
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp ghee
Directions:
- Rinse and drain the wild rice to remove excess starch and prevent gumminess.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the ghee over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the cassava flour over the veggies, stirring to combine. Add kosher salt, dried oregano, and black pepper, cooking for 1 more minute.
- Pour in the chicken bone broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the rinsed wild rice, thyme, bay leaves, rosemary, and sage. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Add the pre-cooked chicken, stirring well, and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
How to Serve Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Serve this soup hot, straight from the pot. Pair it with:
- Crusty sourdough bread for dipping.
- A side salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Crackers or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
How to Store Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
- Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Tips to Make Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
- Use Bone Broth for Extra Flavor: Opt for chicken bone broth over regular broth to give your soup a richer, more nourishing base.
- Don’t Skip the Rinse: Always rinse wild rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure a perfect texture.
- Prep Herbs in Advance: Chop your fresh herbs ahead of time to make the cooking process seamless.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
- Low and Slow for Tenderness: Letting the soup simmer on low allows the flavors to develop fully without overcooking the ingredients.
- Use Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken works perfectly for convenience and flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Cassava flour is naturally gluten-free, but you can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.
- Brighten with Lemon: Add lemon juice and zest at the end to give the soup a refreshing and vibrant finish.
- Double the Batch: This soup freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch for future meals.
- Don’t Forget to Remove Bay Leaves and Thyme: These herbs add incredible flavor during cooking but should be discarded before serving.
Variations
- Creamy Version: For a richer soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. This will give the soup a luscious, velvety texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, diced potatoes, or sweet potatoes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken bone broth for a plant-based alternative.
- Add More Protein: Boost the protein content by adding cooked turkey, sausage, or even shredded pork instead of chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño for a touch of heat.
- Grain Swap: Substitute wild rice with brown rice, quinoa, or even farro for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate spinach, kale, or chopped zucchini for added greens and nutrients.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap the ghee for olive oil and skip any creamy additions to keep it dairy-free.
- Herb Twist: Try using basil, dill, or cilantro instead of traditional rosemary, thyme, and parsley to switch up the flavor profile.
- Lemon-Lover’s Delight: Double the lemon juice and zest for a zesty, citrus-forward twist.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded parmesan or sharp cheddar on top for an extra indulgent topping.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Chicken & Wild Rice Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
3. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can substitute wild rice with brown rice, jasmine rice, or a wild rice blend. However, adjust the cooking time as needed.
4. How do I make the soup creamier?
For a creamier version, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream, coconut milk, or a dairy-free alternative at the end of cooking.
5. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver and adds extra flavor to the soup.
6. What can I use instead of cassava flour?
You can use all-purpose flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder as a substitute for cassava flour to thicken the soup.
7. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or sweet potatoes and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
8. How can I make it gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free when using cassava flour, but you can also opt for other gluten-free flours like almond or rice flour.
9. What herbs can I substitute?
If you don’t have rosemary, sage, or thyme, try using basil, dill, or cilantro for a fresh twist on the flavor.
10. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add spinach, kale, celery, or zucchini for an extra nutrient boost.
11. What’s the best way to serve this soup?
Serve it hot with crusty sourdough bread, crackers, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
12. How long does this soup last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
13. What’s the purpose of rinsing the wild rice?
Rinsing wild rice removes excess starch, preventing the soup from becoming gummy.
14. Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
15. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well, so doubling the recipe ensures you have leftovers for busy days.
16. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried herbs can be used if fresh herbs aren’t available. Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
17. How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
18. Can I skip the lemon juice and zest?
While optional, the lemon adds brightness and balance to the flavors. If you prefer, you can leave it out or replace it with a splash of vinegar.
19. Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes! Its mild flavors make it appealing to children. You can omit any strong herbs or spices if needed.
20. How can I make the soup more filling?
Add diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or chickpeas to make the soup even heartier and more satisfying.