Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting soup typically made with chicken, wild rice, vegetables (like carrots, celery, and onions), and often includes herbs and sometimes cream or milk for richness. It’s a popular dish known for its wholesome flavors and textures, perfect for colder weather or whenever you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal. Would you like a recipe for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?
Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier soup)
Instructions:
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the wild rice blend under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Saute Vegetables: In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return cooked chicken to the pot. Add cooked wild rice and 4 cups of water (or additional chicken broth, if preferred). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together. If using heavy cream, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.