Indulge in Our Secret Ingredient Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup!
Warm up your taste buds with a hearty bowl of Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Featuring tender chunks of chicken and a blend of earthy spices, this recipe will have you craving seconds. But what ingredient makes this soup extra special? Only a taste will reveal the mystery.
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The origins of this soup can be traced back to North America. Native Americans have been cultivating wild rice for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. They used wild rice in various recipes, including soups, stews, and salads. Wild rice was so treasured that it was a prized gift between tribes, and was often used in traditional spiritual ceremonies.
As Europeans began to settle in North America, they brought their own culinary traditions and ingredients. Chicken, which was not native to North America, became a popular ingredient to add flavor and protein to soups. Over time, the usage of both chicken and wild rice in soup recipes merged, creating the comforting and hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup.
Today, this soup remains a beloved favorite in households across the United States, and it’s easy to see why. The savory blend of the cooked and shredded chicken, combined with the nutty wild rice and a creamy broth, is the perfect antidote for a chilly day. The hearty texture of the mushrooms and the subtle sweetness of the carrots and celery give this soup a depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
Whether you are hoping to recreate a treasured family recipe or try out a new dish, Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is an easy and delicious choice. This recipe offers the perfect combination of history, flavor, and nourishment in every bowl.
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Prep Your Ingredients Ahead of Time
Before you start cooking, make sure all of your ingredients are washed, chopped, and measured. This will save you time and make the cooking process smoother.
Use Pre-cooked Wild Rice and Chicken for Convenience
This recipe calls for cooked wild rice and shredded chicken. To save time, you can prepare these ingredients ahead of time or use store-bought pre-cooked wild rice and rotisserie chicken.
The Flour is Important
The flour helps thicken the soup and gives it a creamy texture. Make sure to stir until there are no lumps left before adding the chicken broth.
Stir Frequently
While you’re cooking, make sure to stir the soup frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Be Mindful of the Cream
The cream should be added near the end of the cooking process. Be sure not to boil the soup once you’ve added the cream, as it could curdle and ruin the texture.
Store Leftovers Properly
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It may thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
How Many Calories are in Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?
Nutrition Facts
4 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 970mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 8g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 35g
What Drinks Pair Best with Chicken Wild Rice Soup?
Wine pairing: A rich and creamy dish like Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup calls for a full-bodied white wine such as an oaked Chardonnay or a Viognier.
Beer pairing: A Belgian Tripel would be a great pairing for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. The fruity and spicy notes of the beer compliment well with the creaminess of the soup and its herbal and earthy flavours. For example, Tripel Karmeliet or Chimay Cinq Cents would work nicely.
Cocktail pairing: As a bartender, I would suggest pairing a hot and savory meal like Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with a classic Bloody Mary cocktail. The bold and spicy flavors of the Bloody Mary complement the richness of the soup and provide a refreshing and zesty contrast to the creamy consistency of the dish.
How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Onion
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 2 Carrots
- 2 Stalks Celery
- 8 oz. Mushrooms
- 1/3 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 4 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Dried Thyme
- 2 Cups Cooked Wild Rice
- 2 Cups Cooked, Shredded Chicken
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir until there are no lumps left.
- Add chicken broth to pot and whisk until combined.
- Add salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the pot and stir.
- Simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add wild rice, shredded chicken, and heavy cream to the pot and stir to combine.
- Heat through for 5 minutes.
- Serve while warm.
