CREAMY CHICKEN WILD RICE SOUP

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a blend of wholesome ingredients—tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a medley of carrots, celery, and onions all brought together in a rich, buttery base. The perfect cozy meal that your whole family will enjoy!

I absolutely love soup—I could probably eat it for every meal from September through March and be completely happy. I got this recipe from a friend years ago, and it quickly became one of my favorites. It’s simple, quick to make, and mild enough that even my picky kids enjoy it. My favorite way to serve it is in a bread bowl, but it’s just as delicious in a regular bowl.

Ingredients for Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Butter– ½ cup butter helps sauté the vegetables, forming the flavorful base of the soup.

Vegetables- A mixture of carrots, celery, and onion add natural sweetness, savory depth, color, and tender texture, forming a flavorful soup.

Flour- Adding 1 cup flour will thicken the soup, giving it a creamy, velvety texture.

Seasonings- Use salt and pepper (to taste) to enhance and balance all the flavors, bringing out the natural taste of the ingredients.

Broth- 8 cups chicken broth serves as the liquid base, infusing the soup with savory richness.

Chicken- Diced/shredded chicken adds protein and hearty flavor, making the soup satisfying and filling.

Half & half- 1 cup half & half creates a creamy, smooth texture and rich taste without being overly heavy.

Rice– Use 3 cups cooked wild rice (about 1 cup uncooked) to provide chewy texture and heartiness, making the soup more substantial.

Time-Saving tips for making Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup

This soup is already simple, but these shortcuts make it even quicker—many of them I use for a variety of recipes.

• Quick Wild Rice: Use quick or instant wild rice for a fast, nutty addition—some varieties cook in 1–2 minutes in the microwave.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Grab a couple of rotisserie chickens (Costco is great for this), shred them, and store in the fridge for a few days or freeze in bags for later. Two chickens usually make 3–4 meals, and the flavor and consistency are unbeatable.
• Cooked Chicken Shortcut: If rotisserie isn’t an option, bake chicken breasts at 350°F for ~30 minutes until 165°F internal temperature, or cook in a crock pot with chicken broth on low for 5–6 hours. Either method yields tender chicken ready to shred and freeze.
• Frozen Veggies: Keep frozen chopped onions on hand to skip the chopping (and tears!). A food chopper works well for carrots and celery, or chop them in batches and freeze for future use.

How long is this wild rice soup good for?

This creamy chicken wild rice soup will keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat so it doesn’t curdle.

You can also freeze the soup for longer storage, but it’s best to leave out the cooked wild rice until just before serving—rice can become mushy when frozen and reheated. Store the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months, and simply add the rice when you’re ready to enjoy it.

What type of wild rice to use in wild rice soup?

You can use any type of wild rice in this recipe. I usually alternate between regular wild rice and quick-cooking varieties like Uncle Ben’s. There are also instant options that microwave in just a minute or two—these work perfectly in the soup and save a lot of time!

What type of cream is best in soup?

The recipe calls for half-and-half, but you can use regular 2% milk if you prefer—the soup will still turn out well, just a bit thinner. If you have a milk allergy or intolerance, you can skip the cream entirely; the soup will still be delicious, though slightly less creamy.

Enjoy more of our favorite comforting soup recipes here:

• Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is an easy, flavorful slow-cooker meal made with a ham bone, dried beans, and vegetables. Perfect for using leftover ham and pantry staples!
• This Creamy Chicken Potato Soup is loaded with tender potatoes, shredded chicken, and crispy bacon, all in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the cozy, one-pot meal for busy weeknights or chilly evenings.
• Cream of Broccoli Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food—velvety, rich, and bursting with fresh flavor. This easy homemade version easily beats anything from a can!
• Our Steak and Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting meal for chilly nights, with tender steak, potatoes, and vegetables simmered in savory beef broth. It’s even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers!
• Chicken Pot Pie Soup is cozy comfort food ready in under 30 minutes! This easy, creamy soup is packed with tender chicken and flavorful vegetables.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup combines tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a mix of carrots, celery, and onions in a rich, buttery broth. It’s the perfect cozy meal the whole family will love!