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Cozy Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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A comforting and creamy chicken and wild rice soup that balances rich texture with wholesome ingredients, perfect for cozy evenings and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3/4 cup wild rice blend
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion finely. Mince the garlic and chop the thyme and parsley. Rinse the wild rice blend under cold water and drain. Set everything aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot. Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a thick paste.
  5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer.
  6. Add the rinsed wild rice to the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender but still chewy.
  7. While the rice cooks, shred the partially cooked chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Once the rice is tender, stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream. Heat through on low heat for another 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf.
  9. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish.

Notes

If soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach desired consistency. Avoid overcooking wild rice to maintain texture. Use dark meat chicken thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner option. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use gluten-free flour. Can be made in slow cooker by browning chicken and sautéing veggies first, then cooking on low for 6-7 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, creamy soup, wild rice soup, comfort food, easy dinner, homemade soup, cozy meal

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/cozy-creamy-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-meal/