If you’re craving a bowl of comforting warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, vibrant vegetables, and a perfect blend of herbs and spices, this soup strikes a beautiful balance between nourishing and delicious. It’s a recipe that’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet special enough to impress family and friends. Whether you’re looking to boost your dinner menu with wholesome goodness or eager to cozy up with a bowl that feels homemade and hearty, this soup ticks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors. Each element plays its part—whether it’s the earthy wild rice providing chewiness, the tender chicken adding protein, or the medley of veggies delivering freshness and vibrance.
- 1.5 pounds raw chicken pieces: Choose breasts, drumsticks, or a whole chicken cut up—each adds tasty richness and protein.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced: Adds a punch of fragrant aroma and warmth.
- 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped: Provide a subtle sweetness and beautiful orange hue.
- 3 large celery stalks, diced: Offer freshness and slight crunch.
- 2 large potatoes, diced: Give body and creaminess to each spoonful.
- ½ cup dried mushrooms or 2 cups fresh brown mushrooms, sliced: Introduce an earthy umami flavor that elevates the soup.
- 1 ½ cups wild rice: The star ingredient that adds nutty flavor and chewy texture.
- 7 cups water or low sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful, comforting base.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Delivers subtle herbal notes that lift the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard: Adds a little tang and complexity.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Reinforces the garlic flavor throughout.
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper, to taste: Gives a gentle kick of spice.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and rounds out the texture perfectly.
- Small bunch parsley, finely chopped: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens every bite.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for stovetop only): Enriches the sautéed vegetables with a silky finish.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Start by heating a heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Gently melt the butter, then add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and aromatic—about 3 to 4 minutes. This foundational step builds layers of flavor that will envelope every spoonful later.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Seasoning
Next, toss in the coarsely chopped carrots, diced celery, and brown mushrooms if you’re using fresh ones. Sprinkle over the thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring everything together for about 5 minutes. This allows the veggies to soften slightly and the herbs to bloom, creating a fragrant, seasoned base for the soup.
Step 3: Incorporate Chicken, Rice, and Broth
Add your chosen chicken pieces, the diced potatoes, dried mushrooms (if going that route), wild rice, and the water or low sodium chicken broth to the pot. Give everything a good stir, cover it up, and bring to a boil. Once bubbling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for roughly 55 minutes. This slow simmer tenderizes the chicken and infuses the wild rice with all that rich flavor.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Finish the Soup
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken onto a plate and shred it using two forks. Add the milk and mustard to the soup pot, then use an immersion blender to pulse a few times until you reach your desired soup thickness—whether you prefer it chunkier or more blended. Now, stir in the shredded chicken and freshly chopped parsley. Your bowl of heartwarming soup is ready to serve!
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds vibrant color and a burst of freshness, complementing the soup’s earthy tones. Feel free to sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper on top for a mild spicy kick or add a drizzle of cream for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm whole-grain rolls elevates the meal beautifully. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies can round out the plate nicely without overpowering the soup’s subtle flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for that cozy feel, and consider offering various garnishes like shredded cheddar, a squeeze of lemon, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. For a fun twist, ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls to wow guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 4 days while maintaining all its comforting flavors.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup thickened in storage, simply add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up. Instant comfort is just minutes away!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Absolutely! While wild rice lends a unique nutty flavor and chewy texture, brown rice can be a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for hearty vegetables or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding extra mushrooms or lentils will help keep the soup filling and flavorful.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Definitely. If you have leftover cooked chicken, add it during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through. This will reduce overall cooking time and still give you a delicious soup.
How thick should the soup be?
The thickness is up to you. After blending a portion of the soup with the immersion blender, adjust the texture with more broth or milk to get it just right—whether you like it creamy or chunky.
What’s the best way to store soup with milk?
After adding milk, store the soup in the refrigerator and consume within a few days. When reheating, warm gently to prevent curdling and stir often for the creamiest texture.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting ritual that warms your belly and soul. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s a dependable classic, perfect for cozy nights or anytime you want wholesome goodness in a bowl. Give it a go, and watch how this humble soup quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
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Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a nourishing blend of tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and fresh vegetables simmered to perfection. Perfect for a comforting meal, this recipe offers three versatile cooking methods—stovetop, slow cooker, and Instant Pot—making it easy to prepare a wholesome, creamy soup packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1.5 pounds raw chicken pieces (breasts, drumsticks, or cut-up whole chicken)
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped
- 3 large celery stalks, diced
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- ½ cup dried mushrooms or 2 cups fresh brown mushrooms, sliced
- Small bunch parsley, finely chopped
Grains & Legumes
- 1 ½ cups wild rice
Liquids
- 7 cups water or low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
Seasonings & Fats
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for stovetop and slow cooker sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Preheat a large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add butter and wait until melted.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot; sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add chopped carrots, diced celery, fresh mushrooms (if using), dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for another 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add Main Ingredients: Put in the raw chicken pieces, diced potatoes, dried mushrooms (if not using fresh), wild rice, and pour in water or low sodium chicken broth.
- Cook the Soup on Stovetop: Cover the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for about 55 minutes until chicken is cooked and rice is tender.
- Sauté for Slow Cooker Option: (if using slow cooker) Preheat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter. Sauté onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes, then add carrots, celery, fresh mushrooms, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move sautéed mix to the slow cooker and add chicken, potatoes, dried mushrooms, wild rice, and water or broth. Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours or on High for 5-6 hours.
- Prepare in Instant Pot: Add all ingredients (chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, mushrooms, wild rice, water or broth, thyme, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) into the Instant Pot. Close lid, seal valve, and pressure cook on High for 25 minutes.
- Release Pressure: After cooking in Instant Pot, allow a natural release for 10 minutes. Then perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from pot and shred it using two forks.
- Make Soup Creamy: Add whole milk and prepared mustard to the soup. Using an immersion blender, pulse a few times until the soup reaches desired thickness. Adjust consistency with extra water or broth and season if needed.
- Finish Soup: Return shredded chicken to the pot, add chopped parsley, and stir well to combine.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping, for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use low sodium chicken broth instead of water.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half the soup and mix it back in.
- Wild rice can take longer to cook; soaking for a few hours can reduce cooking time.
- Fresh mushrooms add a more vibrant flavor, but dried mushrooms are a convenient alternative.
- Adjust seasoning towards the end after blending to avoid over-salting.
- Use skim or low-fat milk for a lighter version, though whole milk adds richness.
- This soup freezes well; store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
