Chicken and wild rice soup is the perfect comfort food, especially during colder months. This hearty soup is rich in flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients like carrots, celery, and wild rice. The combination of tender rotisserie chicken and creamy broth creates a delightful and satisfying meal. Follow these steps to make a pot of this delicious soup that will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2-3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups wild rice, well rinsed and drained
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 8 cups chicken stock (2 quarts)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3-4 cups shredded chicken)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and dice the carrots.
- Dice the celery stalks and yellow onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes aromatic.
- Add the Wild Rice:
- Stir in the wild rice, ensuring it is well mixed with the sautéed vegetables.
- Create the Base:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable and rice mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add the dried thyme and dried sage. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender.
- Add Chicken and Cream:
- Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Continue to simmer the soup for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season to Taste:
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- If the soup is too thick, you can add more chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve warm.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Conclusion
This chicken and wild rice soup is a delightful blend of creamy, savory flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a comforting lunch, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. The tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and wild rice come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup and savor the warmth and comfort it brings!