Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
This comforting Chicken Wild Rice Soup combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken with a hearty wild rice blend, sautéed aromatic vegetables, and a creamy broth enriched with heavy cream and subtle herbs. Flavored with Italian seasoning, sage, thyme, and finished with a splash of balsamic vinegar, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Thickener and Liquids
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken stock (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked (includes actual wild rice)
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (white and dark meat)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Garnish
- Sauté the Vegetables: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until foaming. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Season generously with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
- Bloom the Aromatics and Create the Roux: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ground sage, and dried thyme. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste and form a thick roux.
- Deglaze and Add Liquids: Add a few splashes of chicken stock to the pot and scrape the bottom to release flavorful browned bits. Then pour in the remaining chicken stock, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the Rice: Stir in the Better Than Bouillon (if using) and the uncooked wild rice blend. Season again with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high, cover the pot, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Rice: Once simmering, reduce heat to low. Keep pot covered and let simmer gently for 50-60 minutes until rice is tender and grains have split open.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, heavy cream, and balsamic vinegar. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is warmed through. Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Season and Serve: Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the soup.
- Choose a wild rice blend with actual wild rice grains and avoid quick-cook or parboiled varieties for proper texture.
- The Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base is optional but highly recommended for deeper flavor.
- Do not substitute heavy cream with milk to prevent curdling.
- Add the balsamic vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors without overpowering the soup.
- Adjust seasoning as needed at the end to ensure the best flavor balance.
Keywords: Chicken wild rice soup, creamy chicken soup, hearty soup recipe, rotisserie chicken soup, wild rice soup, comforting soup, homemade chicken soup