Creamy Wild Rice Soup | Hearty and Comforting Recipe
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a warm, nourishing soup that feels like a hug in a bowl, Wild Rice Soup is exactly what you need. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal, yet light enough to enjoy any time of year.
The nutty flavor of wild rice pairs perfectly with tender chicken (or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist), creamy broth, and aromatic vegetables. Every spoonful is a balance of texture and comfort — a beautiful mix of earthy, savory, and slightly sweet notes.
This classic recipe is popular across the Midwest, especially during cold months, but it’s so flavorful and satisfying you’ll want to make it all year long.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Main Ingredients
- Wild Rice (1 cup, uncooked) – The key ingredient; adds chewiness and nutty flavor.
- Chicken (2 cups, cooked and shredded) – Adds protein and heartiness. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Butter (3 tbsp) – Creates a rich base for the roux.
- Flour (3 tbsp) – Thickens the soup to a creamy consistency.
- Chicken Broth (6 cups) – Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half (1 cup) – Makes it luxuriously creamy.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped) – For aromatic sweetness.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced) – Adds depth and freshness.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced) – Sweetens and adds color.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Boosts flavor and aroma.
- Thyme (1 tsp, dried or fresh) – Earthy, herby note that complements the rice.
- Bay Leaf (1) – Adds subtle depth.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Balances the flavors.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – For sautéing vegetables.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – Adds color and a fresh finish.
Substitutions:
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice
Rinse wild rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup wild rice with 3 cups water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40–45 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This will help thicken the soup later.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring to combine and avoid lumps. Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add Rice and Chicken
Stir in the cooked wild rice and shredded chicken. Simmer for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors blend beautifully.
Step 6: Add Cream and Finish
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream (or half-and-half). Cook for another 5 minutes, just until heated through. Do not boil after adding cream.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley and freshly cracked pepper.
4. Tips and Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and add mushrooms or chickpeas instead of chicken.
- Add extra vegetables: Spinach, kale, or sweet corn blend nicely into the base.
- Lighter version: Use milk instead of cream, or skip the roux for a thinner broth.
- Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients (except cream) and cook on low for 6 hours; stir in cream at the end.
- Make ahead: Soup tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
5. Serving Suggestions
- With Bread: Pair with crusty sourdough, dinner rolls, or garlic bread.
- With Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Presentation: Garnish with parsley, fresh thyme, or a drizzle of cream.
- Drinks: Complements white wine, apple cider, or a mild beer.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen if thickened.
7. Recipe Notes
- Wild rice expands — 1 cup uncooked yields about 3 cups cooked.
- Avoid boiling after adding cream; it can curdle.
- The soup thickens as it cools — thin with broth when reheating.
- Can be prepped a day ahead; the flavor improves overnight.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American / Midwest
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook wild rice until tender; set aside.
- Sauté onion, celery, and carrots in butter and oil; add garlic.
- Stir in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually add broth, then seasonings.
- Add rice and chicken; simmer 15 minutes.
- Stir in cream; heat through and serve.
🏷️ Diet Tags:
- Gluten-Free (use cornstarch instead of flour)
- High-Protein
- Dairy-Free Option
- Comfort Food
🌿 Health Benefits:
- Wild rice is rich in antioxidants and fiber.
- Great source of lean protein and complex carbs.
- Supports digestion and sustained energy.
10. FAQs
1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes — replace chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
2. Can I use a wild rice blend?
Yes, but note that blends cook faster (around 25–30 minutes).
3. Why is my soup too thick after refrigerating?
Wild rice absorbs liquid as it sits — just add broth or milk when reheating.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy cream.
5. How can I add extra flavor?
A splash of white wine or a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds depth.
11. Final Thoughts
Wild Rice Soup is one of those recipes that brings instant comfort — creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Every spoonful is hearty yet wholesome, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.
Whether you make it classic with chicken or earthy with mushrooms, this soup is pure cozy satisfaction in a bowl. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation.