If you’re on the hunt for a soul-soothing, hearty bowl to warm your heart and belly, this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s packed with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant veggies simmered to perfection in a creamy, flavorful broth. Whether you’re craving comfort on a chilly evening or seeking a satisfying, wholesome meal, this soup hits every mark with its rich textures and balanced flavors that feel like a cozy hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of neatly arranged cooking ingredients on a white marbled surface. On the bottom right, there is a white plate holding three raw chicken breasts with a smooth, pale pink texture. Surrounding this plate are nine small white bowls and clear glass measuring cups holding various ingredients: bright orange sliced carrots in an oval white bowl below the chicken; diced white onions in a small bowl bottom left; a mix of wild rice in a bowl above the onions, with a mix of long grains in brown, black, and white colors; pale green chopped celery in a round white bowl top right; three whole garlic cloves in a tiny bowl near the center; a small bowl containing dried herbs including a green leaf at the top right; a bowl of white flour to the left of the carrots; a small bowl with salt and pepper on the bottom left; and two clear glass measuring cups filled with a creamy white liquid and a light golden broth, placed bottom right and top left respectively. The ingredients are well lit, displaying natural colors and simple textures with no props, on a clean surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the party. From the robust wild rice that adds wonderful texture, to fragrant herbs and fresh vegetables that brighten the flavor, every component is essential in crafting this delicious soup.

Chicken breasts: Use boneless and skinless for easy shredding and even cooking.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and enhance every layer of flavor.
Chicken stock: The rich base that infuses warmth and depth into the soup.
Wild rice: Adds a nutty bite and hearty texture that’s perfect with creamy broth.
Garlic cloves (minced): For that subtle, aromatic kick that wakes up the palate.
Onion (diced): A classic foundation for savory depth and sweetness.
Carrots (peeled and diced): Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Celery (diced): Adds freshness and a pleasant crunch to the mix.
Dried thyme and rosemary: Earthy, herbal notes that complement the chicken beautifully.
Bay leaves: Infuse a subtle layer of warmth and complexity.
Cremini mushrooms (thinly sliced): Earthy and meaty, added towards the end for tender bite and umami.
Unsalted butter: For richness in the creamy sauce.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the broth into a luscious base.
Milk and half and half: Creaminess that rounds out the flavors without overpowering.
Fresh parsley (chopped): A bright, fresh garnish that lifts the whole dish.

How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Season and Slow Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts well with salt and pepper—don’t be shy, seasoning early builds great flavor. Place them into your slow cooker, and pour in the chicken stock. This slow cooking approach lets the chicken become incredibly tender while infusing the broth with its savory goodness over several hours.

Step 2: Add Wild Rice, Vegetables, and Herbs

Next, stir in wild rice, garlic, diced onion, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. These simple additions create the heart of the soup’s character—fresh, wholesome, and aromatic. Set your slow cooker on low and let everything simmer together for 6 to 8 hours. The rice will absorb flavors and cook just right during this time.

Step 3: Incorporate the Mushrooms

About 30 minutes before serving, toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms. This timing ensures they stay tender yet slightly meaty in texture, contributing an earthy richness without becoming too soft or mushy.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking is done, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Returning the shredded chicken to the soup lets every bite have that melt-in-your-mouth chicken goodness.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Base

While the soup finishes cooking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until it turns a light golden brown, building a nutty, toasty flavor. Slowly whisk in the milk and half and half mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens into a silky cream sauce that will elevate the soup from hearty to luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Combine and Adjust

Stir the shredded chicken and creamy mixture back into the slow cooker. If the soup feels a little too thick after adding the cream, simply add a splash more half and half until your desired consistency is reached. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

How to Serve Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

A slow cooker filled with a creamy soup that has visible layers of shredded light beige meat, orange carrot slices, thin light brown mushroom slices, dark wild rice grains, and green celery pieces all mixed in a pale cream-colored broth. The soup is garnished with small green herb pieces scattered throughout. The slow cooker is silver with a black inner pot. It is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and a hint of fresh brightness that perfectly complements the creamy, earthy soup. You can also add a pinch of freshly cracked pepper on top for a bit of bite.

Side Dishes

Serve this soup with a crusty slice of artisan bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls for dipping. A light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the soup wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls at your next gathering. Garnishing with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a gourmet touch that will impress your guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your first reheated taste even more satisfying.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover soup in suitable containers for up to 3 months. Just avoid freezing it with the cream mixture if possible; instead, freeze the base and add fresh cream when reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the consistency. Be careful not to boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Brown rice can be a good alternative but has a different texture and cooking time. Wild rice offers that signature nutty flavor and a firmer bite that complements the soup perfectly.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make this recipe on the stove by simmering the ingredients low and slow for about 1.5 to 2 hours, just keep an eye on the liquid level and add broth as needed.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time accordingly if they are bone-in.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Traditionally, the flour thickening makes it not gluten-free, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute in place of milk and half and half for a delicious dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is truly one of those comforting classics that you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm, nourishing experience perfect for sharing with family or savoring solo on a quiet night. Whip it up, relax with a cozy bowl, and let those wonderful flavors brighten your day.