Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe simmering on the stovetop. This is the kind of meal that not only warms you up from the inside out, but also packs a nutritious punch thanks to lean chicken, hearty wild rice, and a rainbow of vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a make-ahead lunch that gets better with time, this soup delivers both flavor and nourishment in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes something special—whether it’s depth of flavor, vibrant color, or a satisfying texture—to create a wholesome, well-rounded soup that’s both hearty and light.
- Olive oil: A splash of this heart-healthy fat helps sauté the veggies and builds a flavorful base for the soup.
- Onion (diced): Adds a mellow sweetness and depth, forming the aromatic backbone of the broth.
- Carrots (sliced): Their natural sweetness and bright color make each bite cheerful and satisfying.
- Celery (sliced): Brings earthiness and crunch, balancing the soup’s flavors and adding texture.
- Garlic (minced): A must for bold, savory undertones that permeate the entire pot.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite for lean protein that stays juicy and tender as it cooks.
- Wild rice blend (uncooked): Nutty, toothsome, and full of fiber, this grain holds up beautifully in soup.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup comforting without being too salty, letting the other flavors shine.
- Dried thyme: Earthy and fragrant, thyme is essential for that classic soup aroma.
- Dried rosemary: Just a pinch brings warmth and a hint of piney brightness.
- Bay leaf: Adds subtle background complexity as the soup simmers.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, so don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: A little heat balances the richness of the broth.
- Unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk: Creates a creamy finish without piling on the calories.
- Flour or cornstarch: Whisked in to thicken the soup to just the right consistency—choose cornstarch to keep it gluten-free.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped and stirred in at the end for a burst of freshness and color.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, letting them cook and soften for about 5 to 6 minutes. This stage is all about building flavor, so take the time to stir occasionally and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. Once the veggies are tender, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, just until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Chicken, Rice, and Flavorings
Now it’s time to build the heart of your Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe. Nestle the chicken pieces into the pot, then sprinkle in the wild rice blend, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure everything is submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 45 to 50 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld while the rice grows tender and the chicken cooks through.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the wild rice is tender, use tongs to lift out the chicken breasts or thighs onto a plate. With two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—this helps every spoonful have that perfect balance of protein and grains. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to distribute it evenly throughout the soup.
Step 4: Thicken and Finish the Soup
In a small bowl, whisk together your milk of choice (unsweetened almond or low-fat dairy) with flour or cornstarch until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup, allowing it to simmer uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. The soup will thicken slightly, taking on a creamy, luscious texture without becoming heavy. Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the fresh parsley if using, and taste for seasoning—add more salt or pepper if you like.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Ladle the Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe into bowls while it’s piping hot. You’ll notice how the wild rice has plumped, the veggies are just tender, and the broth is creamy with specks of fresh green parsley. Each bite is comforting, nutritious, and full of flavor—just what you need to brighten up a chilly day or nourish a crowd.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl by adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a twist of cracked black pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness. If you love a little crunch, try topping with homemade croutons or a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds—the contrast in texture is delightful.
Side Dishes
Pair your Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe with a thick slice of whole-grain bread or a crusty baguette to soak up every last drop. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. If you’re hosting, a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables makes for a beautiful and wholesome accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic mugs for a cozy, casual vibe, or ladle it into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for an extra-special touch. For gatherings, try offering a “soup bar” with a variety of toppings so everyone can personalize their bowl. Even a simple drizzle of herbed olive oil can make each serving feel restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen and meld as it sits, making your Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe even more delicious the next day. If the soup thickens too much after chilling, simply add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Cool the soup completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags and freeze for up to three months. For best results, freeze in individual portions so you can thaw just what you need. The rice may absorb extra liquid as it sits, but a quick stir after thawing will help it return to its creamy best.
Reheating
Reheat your Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add extra broth or water as needed to adjust the consistency, and taste for seasoning before serving.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just add the shredded chicken during the last 10 minutes of simmering, allowing it to heat through and absorb the soup’s flavors.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for dietary needs. Use unsweetened almond milk (or another non-dairy milk) and cornstarch instead of flour to keep the soup both dairy-free and gluten-free without sacrificing creaminess.
What vegetables can I add for more nutrition?
Feel free to stir in baby spinach, kale, or even chopped zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. These veggies wilt quickly and add even more color and nutrients to your Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe.
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
You can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it may change the texture and cook time slightly. Wild rice’s unique nutty flavor and chewy texture are part of what makes this recipe special, but brown rice works in a pinch!
How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?
Wild rice will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits. If you find your soup is thicker than you’d like after storing, just add a bit more broth or water when reheating until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, nourishing, and truly satisfying meal, give this Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe a try. It’s a staple in my kitchen for good reason—simple, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home too!
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Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and healthy chicken wild rice soup, packed with lean protein, wholesome wild rice, and a medley of vegetables. This nourishing soup is perfect for cozy fall days and can be easily adapted to be gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Grains
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¾ cup uncooked wild rice blend
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken and rice with broth and herbs: Add the boneless, skinless chicken, uncooked wild rice blend, low-sodium chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup, stirring to combine.
- Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the almond milk (or low-fat milk) and flour (or cornstarch) until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the soup and simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in chopped fresh parsley if using, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup warm for a cozy, nutritious meal.
Notes
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- For extra nutrition and texture, add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- To save time, you can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken in the soup.
- Use cornstarch instead of flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Use unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
