Name: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend; 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small onion); 1 cup diced carrots (2 medium); 1 cup diced celery (3 ribs); 7 Tbsp butter, diced (divided); 1 large garlic clove, minced (1 1/2 tsp); 4 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/4 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp dried marjoram; 1/4 tsp dried sage; 1/4 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and ground black pepper, to taste; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts halves; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp lemon zest

If you’re craving a soul-soothing, all-day comfort meal, this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this turns out—rich, velvety, and filled with tender chicken and nutty wild rice that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something nourishing and easy to make, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dinners. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this fan-freaking-tastic soup!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: The wild rice adds a wonderful chewiness that makes this soup feel like a full meal, not just a starter.
Perfectly Creamy: I discovered that whisking the milk and cream with butter and flour creates the smoothest, richest base without being heavy.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these in your pantry, making it an easy weeknight winner.
Flavorful Herb Blend: The combination of thyme, marsjoram, sage, and rosemary adds a lovely depth that elevates this soup beyond the ordinary.

A close-up of a white speckled bowl filled with creamy soup that has a white base layer mixed with small shredded pieces of light-colored meat, dark wild rice grains, bright orange carrot chunks, and light green celery pieces spread evenly throughout. The bowl is sitting on a round wooden plate, accompanied by a silver spoon on the left side and a light beige square cracker in front. The scene is set against a white marbled background with a folded dark red cloth to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, hearty chicken wild rice soup, comforting chicken soup recipes, easy creamy chicken and rice, nourishing winter soups

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is in its harmony of simple, wholesome ingredients. I always recommend using a quality wild rice blend and fresh herbs if possible—the difference is noticeable!

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked wild rice blend with black, brown, and white grains, a small pile of diced bright orange carrots, a cluster of three fresh celery ribs sliced, a small heap of chopped pale yellow onion, a whole uncracked brown egg, a few sprigs of fresh green thyme and rosemary, a pat of golden butter cut into small cubes, a small white bowl filled with white all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of smooth heavy cream, a small white bowl of creamy milk, a small white bowl containing minced fresh garlic, a raw boneless skinless chicken breast half with fresh pink skin, and a small pile of finely grated lemon zest, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, hearty chicken wild rice soup, comforting chicken soup recipes, easy creamy chicken and rice, nourishing winter soups

Wild rice blend: Using a blend (wild rice mixed with brown or white rice) helps with cooking time and texture.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed gently with the other veggies.
Carrots: Give a subtle sweetness and texture contrast in the soup.
Celery: Adds a classic savory base and crunch before softening.
Butter: Divided use here—both for sautéing veggies and making the creamy thickener.
Garlic: Just a little punch of flavor that wakes up the whole soup.
Chicken broth: Low sodium is key so you can control saltiness exactly.
Dried thyme, marjoram, sage, and rosemary: Or fresh herbs if you have them—they infuse amazing warmth.
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for shredding into bite-sized pieces.
All-purpose flour: For thickening the soup into that luscious creaminess.
Milk and heavy cream: These create the velvety texture that you’ll absolutely love.
Lemon zest: A small secret touch that brightens every spoonful.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this soup to suit whatever mood or dietary needs pop up. You can easily swap ingredients or add extras to make it your own—you’ll be surprised how flexible and forgiving this soup is.

Vegetarian Variation: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth plus mushrooms for an earthy boost—I tried it once for a friend, and we barely missed meat!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes when sautéing the veggies for a gentle heat that wakes things up.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or oat milk and replace butter with olive oil—just be mindful the texture will be a little different but still delicious.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some diced potatoes, peas, or spinach near the end for a colorful twist.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook your wild rice for perfect texture

Follow the package directions for cooking your wild rice blend—this usually takes about 45 minutes. I like to start this first since wild rice takes the longest, so everything finishes pretty much at the same time. A key tip: rinse your rice well before cooking to remove any excess starch and get that nice separate grain texture.

Step 2: Build a flavorful base with veggies and herbs

About halfway through your rice cooking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a large pot, then add finely chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Saute for around 4 minutes until softened but not browned, then toss in the minced garlic for just 30 seconds longer to avoid bitterness. Next, pour in the chicken broth along with your herbs—thyme, marjoram, sage, and rosemary—and season with salt and pepper to taste. Crank the heat up and add your chicken breasts, bringing it all to a gentle boil. Cover and simmer on medium-low for 12-16 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway, until cooked through. This step really fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma.

Step 3: Prepare the creamy roux for thickening

While your chicken cools after removal, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 90 seconds to eliminate that raw flour taste—stir constantly to keep it smooth. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking vigorously to avoid lumps, then stir in the heavy cream. Keep cooking and stirring until this mixture thickens into a luxuriously smooth sauce. Patience here pays off with a silky texture that makes the whole soup sing.

Step 4: Bring it all together for the final magic

Shred your chicken into bite-sized pieces once it has cooled enough to handle. Then, add the creamy milk mixture back into the soup pot along with the shredded chicken, cooked wild rice, and a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to brighten the flavors. Stir everything gently to combine, taste, adjust salt and pepper if needed, and turn off the heat. Let it rest a few minutes if you can—I find this helps all those flavors deepen and the soup to thicken just the right amount before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Perfect Rice Timing: Start the rice first since it needs the longest, and multitask by prepping veggies while it cooks to save time.
Smooth Roux Technique: Whisk constantly when adding milk to prevent lumps and overcook the flour slightly to avoid a raw taste.
Don’t Skip Lemon Zest: This little brightener balances the creaminess perfectly—it’s my secret weapon for a fresh, lively soup.
Shred Chicken Carefully: Let your chicken rest before shredding so it stays juicy and doesn’t dry out in the soup.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Two white bowls filled with thick creamy soup that has visible layers of orange carrot pieces, pale green celery chunks, shredded white meat, and small bits of dark wild rice mixed in. Each bowl sits on a round wooden plate with a spoon resting against it. Around the bowls are square saltine crackers placed on a white marbled surface. A deep red cloth is arranged to the side, adding a splash of color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, hearty chicken wild rice soup, comforting chicken soup recipes, easy creamy chicken and rice, nourishing winter soups

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top because it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. Sometimes a few cracked black peppercorns on the surface add a subtle spice bite that balances the creaminess. A tiny drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few drops of hot sauce are nice if you want to mix things up.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for this soup alongside a fresh crusty baguette or warm garlic bread to soak up every last drop. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette works great to cut through the richness. On cooler days, I love pairing it with roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for something vibrant and healthy.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or cozy weekends, serve this soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls—it makes it so festive and fun. Another favorite of mine is ladling it into colorful ceramic soup mugs with a sprinkle of cheese on top, then broiling briefly for a melty finish. It’s a simple trick that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually taste better the next day after sitting overnight. Just give it a good stir before reheating because the rice can settle at the bottom.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing before adding the cream to preserve the texture. When thawing, reheat gently on low heat and stir in the cream at the end to restore that silky richness. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and allow the soup to warm evenly. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen. Avoid microwaving unless you can stir several times during reheating to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for wild rice, but keep in mind that brown rice tends to cook faster and has a softer texture. Using a wild rice blend balances the chewiness and cook time perfectly, but brown rice works well if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
Is it okay to use leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken can cut down on prep time—just add it along with the rice at the end and simmer briefly to heat through, skipping the initial chicken cooking step.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, swap the milk and heavy cream for your favorite dairy-free alternatives like coconut or oat milk, and use olive oil instead of butter. The texture will be a bit different but still tasty and comforting.
How do I prevent the soup from getting too thick when reheating?

Add extra broth or a splash of milk while reheating to loosen the soup. Heat it slowly and stir often to help maintain the creamy consistency without it becoming gloopy.
What can I use instead of lemon zest?

If you don’t have lemon zest, a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice added at the end works nicely to brighten the soup, or a tiny pinch of lemon juice powder if you keep it in your spice cabinet.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe, it instantly reminded me of those cozy homemade meals my family loves but with a special twist that felt gourmet yet comforting. I hope you give it a try soon—you’ll find it just as satisfying and a breeze to make. Whenever I need warmth and a little kitchen magic, this soup is my go-to, and I’m confident it’ll become one of yours too. So, grab your apron and enjoy every creamy, savory spoonful!