When the weather turns crisp and chilly, nothing warms you up faster than a steaming bowl of soup. And this Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s cozy, hearty, and loaded with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and plenty of fresh veggies. Every spoonful is creamy and satisfying—like a hug in a bowl.
If you’ve ever craved the famous Panera chicken and wild rice soup, this homemade version will win you over. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding the whole family. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing while it simmers away.
So grab your soup pot, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This recipe is a Pinterest-favorite for good reason. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your meal plan:
- Creamy & hearty – The perfect comfort food for cold evenings.
- One-pot wonder – Easy to cook and clean up.
- Kid-approved – Familiar flavors even picky eaters enjoy.
- Meal prep friendly – Tastes even better the next day.
- Freezer-friendly – Make a big batch and save some for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients:
- Chicken – Shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken works beautifully.
- Wild rice blend – Adds texture and a nutty flavor.
- Carrots, celery, and onion – The classic soup base.
- Garlic & herbs – Thyme, parsley, and a bay leaf bring depth of flavor.
- Chicken broth – Use homemade or store-bought.
- Cream or half & half – For that rich, velvety texture.
- Butter & flour – To create a creamy roux that thickens the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this soup is easier than you think. Here’s how it comes together:
- Cook the aromatics. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in a little butter until softened.
- Add rice and broth. Stir in the wild rice, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Let it simmer until the rice is tender and chewy.
- Add chicken. Stir in shredded chicken and let it warm through.
- Make it creamy. In a separate pan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly stir in milk or cream until thickened. Add this mixture back into the soup pot.
- Finish & serve. Stir everything together, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
That’s it! You’ve got a pot of creamy, dreamy chicken and wild rice soup ready to serve.
Tips for Success
- Swap in turkey. Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Mind the rice. Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice, but don’t overcook—it should keep a little bite.
- Lighten it up. Use evaporated milk or half & half instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-free option. Skip the roux and whisk cornstarch into milk to thicken instead.
How to Serve
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are some delicious serving ideas:
- With crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the creamy broth.
- In a bread bowl for a Pinterest-worthy presentation.
- Alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
Leftovers are a gift with this recipe! Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits, so stir in a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
- Freezer: Store in freezer-safe containers up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the cream. Stir in cream after thawing and reheating.
Variations to Try
If you want to switch things up, here are some fun variations:
- Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup – Skip the chicken and load up on mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Turkey & Wild Rice Soup – A genius way to use holiday leftovers.
- Slow Cooker Method – Cook everything (except the cream) low and slow, then stir in cream before serving.
- Instant Pot Method – Pressure cook the rice and veggies, then add chicken and cream at the end.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup on a chilly evening. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with comforting flavors the whole family will love. Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking for a crowd, or just need a cozy dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
✨ If you try this soup, don’t forget to pin it for later and share your photos on Pinterest—I’d love to see your cozy bowls
Image Credit: https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/
