If you’re craving a soup that is nourishing, flavorful, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines tender chicken pieces with hearty wild rice, fresh vegetables, and a delicate blend of herbs and spices that come together to create a satisfying, wholesome meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch or a light dinner, this soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a hearty dish without compromising on health. I promise this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites on chilly days or anytime you need a soul-soothing meal.

Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe keeps things simple with ingredients you can find easily, each handpicked to bring out the best taste, texture, and color in your bowl. Every item plays a vital role, from the wild rice that adds a nutty bite to the fresh parsley that brightens it all up.

1.5 pounds raw chicken pieces: Using breasts, drumsticks, or cut-up whole chicken ensures tender meat and rich flavor in the broth.
1 large onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the soup’s flavor profile.
2 large garlic cloves, minced: A punch of garlic infuses warmth and depth throughout the soup.
2 large carrots, coarsely chopped: They bring a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
3 large celery stalks, diced: Provides a subtle crunch and fresh taste that balances the richer elements.
2 large potatoes, diced: Creates a heartier texture that makes the soup more filling.
½ cup dried mushrooms or 2 cups fresh brown mushrooms, sliced: Adds umami and earthiness, boosting complexity.
1 ½ cups wild rice: The star grain, offering a chewy texture and distinctive nutty flavor.
7 cups water or low sodium chicken broth: Acts as the savory liquid base, adjustable for your sodium preference.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables.
1 tablespoon prepared mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that lifts the soup.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Enhances the garlic notes while deepening the overall taste.
1 ¾ teaspoons salt: Carefully measured to season without overwhelming.
Ground black pepper, to taste: Offers a gentle heat to balance the savory ingredients.
2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess, making the soup comforting and indulgent.
Small bunch parsley, finely chopped: For a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of green.
1 tablespoon butter (for stovetop only): Brings richness and helps soften the vegetables beautifully.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping all your vegetables and gathering your spices. This mise en place step makes the cooking process smoother and helps you appreciate the simplicity yet richness of the ingredients coming together.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

If cooking stovetop, melt the butter in a large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. This step builds the foundational flavors of your Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe and releases the natural sweetness of your aromatics.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Next, toss in your carrots, celery, fresh mushrooms if using, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté together for about 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften slightly and the spices bloom. This builds layers of texture and savory nuances that will shine through once the soup simmers.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Simmer

Place the chicken pieces, diced potatoes, dried mushrooms if fresh weren’t used, wild rice, and your choice of water or low sodium broth into the pot. Bring it all to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a low simmer. Let it cook gently for about 55 minutes so the rice is tender, the chicken fully cooked, and flavors marry perfectly.

Step 5: Shred Chicken and Blend Soup

Remove the chicken carefully onto a plate and shred it using two forks. This shredding adds an appealing texture that coats the tongue beautifully. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then stir in milk and prepared mustard. Use an immersion blender to pulse the soup a few times until it reaches the thickness you like. This blending step gives it a creamy, luscious mouthfeel without needing heavy cream.

Step 6: Final Touches

Stir in freshly chopped parsley for brightness and fresh herb flavor. Give the soup a final taste and adjust with any extra seasoning or water as needed. Your Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is now ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley is a classic, but feel free to add a dash of cracked black pepper, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up each serving. These small touches can personalize the soup to your own taste and make every bowl feel special.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread perfect for dipping, or a simple side salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture. For a heartier meal, try warm dinner rolls or a small roasted vegetable platter alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in individual rustic bowls topped with a swirl of Greek yogurt or sour cream and a few crispy fried shallots. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls to make the meal feel extra cozy and indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe keeps really well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers to preserve freshness and flavor. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months, but because of the milk, it’s best to freeze it without dairy. Freeze the soup base and shredded chicken separately if possible, then add the milk when reheating to keep the soup silky smooth and fresh tasting.

Reheating

Warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the texture seems too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it. This slows the reheating process but ensures that the flavors stay vibrant and the milk doesn’t curdle.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice in this soup?

Yes, brown rice can be a substitute; however, wild rice has a distinct nutty flavor and chewy texture that really defines this soup’s character. Brown rice tends to be softer and milder but will still result in a tasty dish.

Is this soup suitable for freezing and reheating without loss of quality?

You can freeze it, but for the best texture and flavor, freeze the soup without the milk. Add the milk fresh when reheating to avoid graininess and to keep that delicious creaminess.

Can I make this Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours. This method infuses deep flavor and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.

What type of chicken pieces work best in this soup?

Any raw chicken pieces will work whether breasts, drumsticks, or cut-up whole chicken. Dark meat adds more richness, while breasts keep it leaner. Feel free to mix for your ideal balance.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the whole milk for coconut milk, almond milk, or another plant-based milk of your choice. Just be aware that it might alter the flavor slightly but still keep the creaminess you want.

Final Thoughts

Making this Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is like creating a little pot of warmth and goodness you can count on any day of the week. It’s simple to prepare, nourishing for the body and soul, and endlessly customizable to your tastes. So grab those fresh ingredients, dive in, and enjoy every cozy spoonful of this wholesome favorite!

Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.1 from 65 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 7 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, nutrient-packed dish made with tender chicken pieces, wholesome wild rice, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for a nourishing family meal, this recipe offers three cooking methods—stovetop, slow cooker, and Instant Pot—to suit your preferred kitchen style, delivering a creamy, satisfying soup that’s rich in flavor and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

1.5 pounds raw chicken pieces (breasts, drumsticks, or cut-up whole chicken)
7 cups water or low sodium chicken broth

Vegetables and Mushrooms

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

Grains and Seasoning

1 ½ cups wild rice
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 ¾ teaspoons salt
Ground black pepper, to taste

Dairy and Garnish

2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon butter (for stovetop and slow cooker methods)
Small bunch parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the pot and sauté aromatics: For stovetop and slow cooker methods, preheat a heavy-bottom pot or medium skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Add vegetables and seasonings: Add carrots, celery, fresh mushrooms (if using), dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Sauté the mixture for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Combine main ingredients: Add chicken pieces, diced potatoes, dried mushrooms (if not using fresh), wild rice, and water or chicken broth to the pot or slow cooker.
Cook the soup: For stovetop, cover the pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 55 minutes until the rice and chicken are cooked through. For slow cooker, transfer sautéed ingredients to the slow cooker if sautéing was done separately, cover, and cook on Low for 8-10 hours or on High for 5-6 hours. For Instant Pot, add all ingredients (including aromatics and seasonings) directly into the pot, seal the lid, set pressure valve to sealing, and select Pressure Cook/Manual on High for 25 minutes.
Release pressure (Instant Pot only): After cooking in the Instant Pot, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting carefully to release any remaining steam.
Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken pieces from the pot and place them on a plate. Use two forks to shred the meat finely.
Blend the soup: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add whole milk and mustard. Use an immersion blender to pulse the soup several times until it reaches the desired creamy thickness. Stir well and adjust the consistency with extra water or broth and seasonings as needed.
Add finishing touches: Stir in freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and garnish.
Serve: Ladle the hot chicken wild rice soup into bowls and serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

You can use any combination of chicken pieces according to preference, including breasts or drumsticks.
Fresh mushrooms provide a more delicate flavor, while dried mushrooms add deeper umami; adjust accordingly.
The soup can be adjusted to a thicker or thinner consistency by blending more or less and adding additional broth or water.
To make this soup gluten-free, ensure the broth and mustard used are labeled gluten free.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
Whole milk can be substituted with a dairy-free milk alternative for those with lactose intolerance.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American