Chicken Wild Rice Soup (Printer View)

Tender chicken and nutty wild rice simmered with carrots and herbs in a flavorful broth.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

→ Grains

02 - 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

07 - 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Herbs & Seasonings

08 - 1 bay leaf
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

→ Fats

13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add uncooked wild rice, chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring to a boil.
04 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until rice is tender.
05 - Add cooked chicken to the pot and simmer for an additional 5-8 minutes to heat through.
06 - Remove bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Wholesome and hearty: Packed with lean chicken breast, fiber-rich wild rice, and fresh vegetables, every bowl delivers real nourishment.
  • Naturally gluten-free: Made without any wheat-containing ingredients, this soup is safe for those avoiding gluten — just verify your broth label.
  • Simple and approachable: Rated easy difficulty, this recipe requires only basic kitchen tools and straightforward techniques.
  • Perfect for meal prep: With 6 generous servings, this soup stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
  • Flexible and forgiving: Leftover rotisserie chicken, brown rice substitutes, or a splash of cream for richness — this recipe adapts to what you have on hand.
02 -
  • Rinse the wild rice: Always rinse your wild rice under cold water before adding it to the pot to remove any excess starch and improve texture.
  • Use rotisserie chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut — simply shred and add in Step 4 for a rich, pre-seasoned flavor boost.
  • Check your broth label: If avoiding gluten or soy, always verify that your store-bought low-sodium chicken broth is certified free of those allergens.
  • Don't skip the bay leaf: The bay leaf adds subtle depth to the broth — just remember to remove it before serving.
  • Add cream at the end: If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk only after removing the pot from the heat or at very low temperature to prevent curdling.
  • Serve with bread: A slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad rounds out this meal perfectly.
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