If you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug from the inside, the Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty, nourishing soup combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables simmered in a deliciously savory broth. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that balance rich flavors with healthy nutrition, making it perfect for any day you want something cozy yet good for you. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color — from the earthy mushrooms and sweet carrots to the aromatic herbs and creamy finish from milk. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds raw chicken pieces: Choose breasts, drumsticks, or a mix for tender, juicy protein.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens.
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the broth with warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped: Bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 3 large celery stalks, diced: Provide freshness and slight crunch.
- 2 large potatoes, diced: Offer creamy texture and heartiness.
- ½ cup dried mushrooms or 2 cups fresh brown mushrooms, sliced: Give earthy umami flavor.
- 1 ½ cups wild rice: Adds a nutty bite and wholesome grain goodness.
- 7 cups water or low sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of your soup.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an herbal, slightly minty note.
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard: Adds a tangy depth that brightens the soup.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Enhances garlic flavor throughout.
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt: Balances and enhances all the tastes.
- Ground black pepper, to taste: Adds just a touch of heat and spice.
- 2 cups whole milk: Creates a creamy, luscious finish without heaviness.
- Small bunch parsley, finely chopped: For fresh, vibrant garnish.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for stovetop only): Helps mellow flavors and adds richness.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by placing your raw chicken pieces into a large pot with the 7 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer. As the chicken cooks, it will release rich flavors, creating a savory base for your soup. While that’s happening, chop your onion, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, and mushrooms so they’re ready to go.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Wild Rice
Once the chicken has simmered for about 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Add your chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, mushrooms, and wild rice to the pot. Stir in the dried thyme, prepared mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mix simmers together, allowing the vegetables and rice to soak up the chicken’s flavor — it’s where the magic really starts to happen!
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Return to Pot
While the soup simmers, shred your cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones if you’re using whole chicken pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot once the rice and vegetables become tender, which usually takes around 30 minutes. This keeps your chicken juicy and perfectly integrated into the soup.
Step 4: Finish with Creaminess and Fresh Parsley
Reduce the heat and stir in the whole milk along with the tablespoon of butter (skip the butter if you prefer a stovepressure cooker method that isn’t stovetop). Let it gently heat through without boiling — you want to maintain a creamy texture without curdling the milk. Finally, sprinkle the finely chopped parsley on top before serving.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a crisp, fragrant note that balances the soup’s richness perfectly. If you want to dress it up even more, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten each spoonful wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This soup shines beautifully as the main event, but pairing it with crusty whole grain bread or warm garlic toast makes the meal even more satisfying. A simple green salad on the side can also add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family meal, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a swirl of cream on top and a parsley sprig for a lovely presentation. Alternatively, ladle it into individual hollowed-out bread bowls to combine the bread and soup into one delicious experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have melded together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To avoid any texture issues with the potatoes or wild rice, consider adding fresh ingredients after thawing if you want the best texture.
Reheating
Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat over medium heat on the stovetop. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much. Avoid boiling to maintain that creamy, comforting texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will work fine, though the flavor and texture will be a bit different. Wild rice has a distinctive nutty taste and chewier texture that really elevates the soup, but brown rice will still create a hearty, delicious meal.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. While it won’t be the exact same, it’s still a wonderfully flavorful and healthy alternative.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?
Using leftover cooked chicken can save time. Add it during the last few minutes just to heat through so it doesn’t dry out. Adjust the cooking times for the rice and vegetables accordingly.
What can I substitute for whole milk in this recipe?
You can use half-and-half or a creamy plant-based milk, such as oat or cashew milk, for a dairy-free option. Just make sure the alternative is unsweetened to keep the savory balance right.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking or at the table. It’s an easy way to customize the soup to your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is such a rewarding dish to make and share. It’s the kind of meal that comforts your soul and nourishes your body all at once. Once you experience that cozy, wholesome flavor, it’s bound to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients and get cooking — your new favorite soup awaits!
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Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and nourishing meal featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with wild rice, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this soup delivers hearty nutrition with a creamy texture from whole milk and a touch of mustard for depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds any raw chicken pieces (breasts, drumsticks, or cut-up whole chicken)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped
- 3 large celery stalks, diced
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- ½ cup dried mushrooms or 2 cups fresh brown mushrooms, sliced
- 1 ½ cups wild rice
- 7 cups water or low sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups whole milk
- Small bunch parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (for stovetop only)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic cloves, coarsely chopping the carrots, dicing the celery stalks and potatoes, and slicing the mushrooms if using fresh. Set aside these prepared vegetables and herbs so they are ready for cooking.
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the raw chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, and mushrooms to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Rice, Liquids, and Seasonings: Stir in the wild rice, followed by the water or low sodium chicken broth. Add the dried thyme, prepared mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook gently for about 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish the Soup: Remove the cooked chicken pieces and shred or chop the meat, discarding any bones and skin if necessary. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the whole milk and chopped parsley, cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes without boiling to let the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot for a hearty and healthy meal.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
- The soup can be made with either dried or fresh mushrooms depending on availability.
- Butter is used only when cooking on the stovetop to add richness; omit or substitute with a plant-based oil for a lighter version.
- For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes at the end to reduce the liquid.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
