🍲 Cozy Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup 🍃
Transform your leftover rotisserie chicken into a hearty, creamy chicken and wild rice soup perfect for cold nights or meal prepping. Tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and rich vegetables come together in a flavorful broth that feels like a warm hug.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Soup
✅ Uses convenient leftover rotisserie chicken
✅ Creates a restaurant-quality dish at home
✅ Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
✅ Creamy without being overly heavy
✅ Tastes even better the next day
🛒 Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 🐓
- 1 cup wild rice blend 🌾
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced into coins
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth 🥣
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 2 tbsp butter 🧈
For the Roux:
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
Seasonings:
- 2 bay leaves 🍃
- 1 tsp dried thyme 🌿
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary 🌿
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped 🌱
- Additional fresh thyme (optional)
👩🍳 Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Rice:
- Cook the wild rice blend according to package instructions (usually about 45 minutes).
- Set aside when done.
2️⃣ Start the Soup Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Make the Roux:
- Add butter to the vegetable mixture and let it melt.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to create a golden roux.
4️⃣ Build the Soup:
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
5️⃣ Add Final Ingredients:
- Stir in the cooked wild rice and shredded chicken.
- Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6️⃣ Finish and Serve:
- Remove bay leaves.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and additional thyme if desired.
🌟 Pro Tips
- Shred chicken while it’s still slightly warm for easier handling.
- Sauté vegetables slowly to build a rich flavor base.
- If soup becomes too thick, thin it with extra chicken broth.
- For added depth, simmer with a parmesan rind and remove before serving.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of broth or cream as the rice will absorb liquid over time.
✨ Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Earthier Flavor: Add mushrooms when sautéing vegetables.
- Grain Swap: Substitute wild rice with brown rice or barley.
- Extra Nutrients: Stir in fresh spinach at the end of cooking.
❓ FAQ
1. Can I use another type of chicken?
Absolutely! You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as baked, grilled, or poached chicken.
2. What if I don’t have wild rice?
You can substitute it with brown rice, white rice, or even quinoa for a different texture and flavor.
3. How can I make this gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, or use cornstarch or arrowroot as a thickener.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
5. What if my soup is too thick?
Add more chicken broth or a splash of cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
6. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add extra broth or cream as needed.
7. What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat gently on the stove top over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of broth or cream if needed to adjust the consistency.
8. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, kale, or even peas for added flavor and nutrients.
This creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting classic, perfect for chilly nights or anytime you crave a hearty meal. Enjoy every spoonful! 🍵💕
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