Fall Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Fall Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a cozy and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs. Perfect for chilly autumn days, this wholesome soup offers rich flavors and easy preparation, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 lb)
Grains
- 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until they soften and the onions become translucent, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic along with dried thyme and rosemary. Let the mixture cook for about one minute to release the aromas and deepen the flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Place whole chicken breasts or thighs into the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 20 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken and Add Rice: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Rinse the wild rice thoroughly. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the rinsed wild rice. Cook the soup gently until the rice becomes tender, about 40 to 45 minutes.
- Finish with Cream and Seasonings: Once the rice is cooked, stir in heavy cream or milk if using. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it warm through for a few minutes, then sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
- Use homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Always rinse wild rice to remove excess starch and improve texture.
- Cook wild rice separately to save time, then add to the soup.
- Shred chicken finely for a smoother texture in the soup.
- Simmer gently after adding rice to prevent mushy grains.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Fall soup, chicken soup, wild rice, comforting soup, autumn recipe, gluten-free soup