Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Featured in: Hearty Soups & Stews

This hearty soup combines shredded chicken and earthy wild rice with sautéed onions, carrots, and celery in a rich, creamy broth. A touch of thyme, parsley, and bay leaf infuse warm flavors as the wild rice cooks tenderly. The smooth texture comes from a buttery roux and heavy cream, perfect for warming chilly evenings. Easy to prepare and gluten-free friendly when using alternative flour, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a satisfying meal.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:18:00 GMT
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup steaming in a bowl, garnished with fresh parsley. Save to Pinterest
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup steaming in a bowl, garnished with fresh parsley. | frostkettle.com

A comforting, hearty soup featuring tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and vegetables in a rich, creamy broth—perfect for chilly days.

This soup quickly became a family favorite on cold evenings and is always requested during the winter months.

Ingredients

  • Proteins: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • Grains: 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
  • Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced 2 celery stalks, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Dairy: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup heavy cream
  • Liquids: 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 cup water
  • Thickeners: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 bay leaf 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat Add onion, carrots, and celery Sauté for 5 6 minutes until softened
Step 2:
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant
Step 3:
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables Stir and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux
Step 4:
Gradually pour in the chicken broth and water, whisking to combine and dissolve any flour lumps
Step 5:
Add wild rice, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper Bring to a simmer
Step 6:
Cover and cook on low heat for 35 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender
Step 7:
Stir in cooked chicken and heavy cream Simmer uncovered for 5 10 minutes until heated through and creamy
Step 8:
Remove the bay leaf Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
Step 9:
Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley
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| frostkettle.com

This soup is a staple at our family dinners, bringing everyone together with its rich flavors and comforting warmth.

Notes

For a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream Add mushrooms for extra depth of flavor Pairs nicely with crusty bread or a light salad

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven Cutting board and knife Wooden spoon or spatula Ladle Whisk

Nutritional Information

Calories: 410 Total Fat: 21 g Carbohydrates: 32 g Protein: 25 g

Rich, hearty Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with tender chicken and vegetables. Save to Pinterest
Rich, hearty Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with tender chicken and vegetables. | frostkettle.com

This creamy chicken and wild rice soup is perfect for warming up any cold day and making your family feel cozy.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I substitute the wild rice with another grain?

Yes, wild rice can be replaced with brown rice or barley, but cooking times and textures may vary.

How do I make the soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour when making the roux to keep it gluten-free.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or coconut milk can lighten the broth while maintaining creaminess.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld; reheat gently to preserve creaminess.

Are there any recommended garnishes?

Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper adds a bright, fresh finish.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Tender chicken and wild rice simmered with vegetables in a smooth, creamy broth for cozy meals.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
45 minutes
Overall Time
65 minutes
Created by Nora Whitman


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Serving Size

Dietary Information None specified

What You Need

Proteins

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

Grains

01 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed

Vegetables

01 1 medium yellow onion, diced
02 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
03 2 celery stalks, diced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 cup heavy cream

Liquids

01 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
02 1 cup water

Thickeners

01 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour if needed)

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon dried thyme
02 1 teaspoon dried parsley
03 1 bay leaf
04 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

Sauté vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add garlic: Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Form roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously and cooking for 2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 04

Combine liquids: Slowly whisk in chicken broth and water until smooth and lump-free.

Step 05

Add grains and seasonings: Stir in wild rice, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Simmer rice: Cover and cook over low heat for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the wild rice is tender.

Step 07

Finish with chicken and cream: Add cooked chicken and heavy cream. Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes until thoroughly heated and creamy.

Step 08

Season and serve: Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle
  • Whisk

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream) and wheat (flour unless gluten-free alternative used). Verify labels for gluten content if sensitive.

Nutrition Details (Each Serving)

Given for informational purposes, this isn't medical advice.
  • Energy Value: 410
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 25 g