Description
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1 cup wild rice, uncooked
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Sauté the veggies: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for 1 more minute.
Cook the rice: Add wild rice to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Add the chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken, heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper.
Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp flour with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Stir it into the soup and let simmer for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof soup. First, ensure all vegetables are uniformly diced for even cooking. When sautéing, cook until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms have released their moisture. For the rice, use a true wild rice blend for the best texture and nutty flavor; rinse it before adding. After adding the broth, maintain a gentle simmer with the lid slightly ajar to prevent boiling over. When adding the cream, temper it by ladling in a bit of the hot soup first, then stir the mixture back into the pot to prevent curdling. For the slurry, ensure it’s completely smooth before incorporating.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is a meal on its own, but perfect pairings elevate it. Serve with warm, crusty artisan bread or flaky biscuits for dipping. For a fresh contrast, add a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Garnish individual bowls with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or a dash of paprika. For a richer finish, a small dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese works beautifully.
How-to Summary
In summary: Sauté diced vegetables and aromatics. Add wild rice and broth, then simmer until rice is tender. Stir in cooked chicken and cream. Thicken with a flour-water slurry, season, and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes. Sauté veggies first for best flavor, then add everything except the cream and slurry to the cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in cream and slurry in the last 30 minutes.
How can I make this soup dairy-free? Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened dairy-free creamer. Use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour for thickening.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe? Using a rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Alternatively, poach or bake 2 chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or dice.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Can I freeze this creamy soup? Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy and rice, which can separate and become grainy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not add uncooked, tough wild rice at the end; it requires the full simmering time. Do not boil the soup after adding the cream, as this can cause curdling. Do not skip making a slurry before adding flour directly to the hot liquid, which will create lumps. Finally, do not under-season; taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end, after all ingredients have melded.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort food, blending hearty ingredients with rich, savory flavors. Its straightforward method yields an impressive and satisfying result perfect for any chilly day. By following the detailed guide and tips provided, you can avoid common errors and customize it to your dietary needs. We hope this recipe becomes a cherished staple in your home cooking repertoire.