Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy chicken and wild rice soup is the perfect comfort food for a cold and blustery day. The soup is full of tender pieces of chicken combined with rice and vegetables and nestled in a warm and creamy broth.

However this easy to make soup will be sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied. Best of all, with a few shortcuts it is easy to make in a small batch that is designed for two people.

With the help of pre-cooked chicken, canned vegetable broth and evaporated milk you will have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes! And who couldn’t use a comfort food recipe that is made in that short of time?

Although this soup is commonly made and served in the Northern states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, it has gained popularity in many other areas, especially during the winter months.

So grab your ingredients and prepare to fall in love with an amazing soup recipe that you will want to make all winter long!

What Is Wild Rice

Wild rice is not actually rice, but is often referred to as such due to its similar appearance and cooking method as long grain brown rice. It comes from a semi-aquatic grass that is a native crop to North America.

Once cultivated in the fall wild rice is long and slender, with a dark brown or black color. Even when cooked properly the rice has a slight chewy texture and a more nutty and earthy flavor than brown rice.

It is often found in cooler climates with Minnesota being the largest producer of wild rice in the United States, accounting for over 90% of the country’s production. However it is also grown in Wisconsin, California and Oregon as well.

Where To Buy Wild Rice

Finding wild rice in those above mentioned states is fairly easy, especially in the Fall. However it may be a little more difficult to find it in other states.

It is not commonly stocked in most large grocery stores. However, if you have a specialty organic or natural grocery store in your area you have a better chance of purchasing 100% wild rice. And of course, if all else fails, you can find a package of Wild Rice on Amazon.

Wild Rice Blend

Although, if you can’t find it, you have another option to make this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Most grocery stores, even discount stores such as Aldis you will find wild rice packaged with other varieties of rice and labeled as a wild rice blend.

Most often you will find a package of wild rice and brown rice blend, but sometimes red rice will also be included. Simply make it according to package directions (without the seasoning packet that is included) and use it in the soup as instructed in the recipe.

What Type of Chicken To Use In Wild Rice Soup

Because you will be adding cooked chicken to this soup recipe, you have many options on what type of chicken to use in your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe.

1. Leftover Rotisserie Chicken – This is one of the most convenient and flavorful ways to add chicken to your soup. Simply shred the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken and dinner will be on the table in under 30 minutes, from start to finish.

2. Boiled Chicken – If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, boil boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast before preparing the other ingredients. Then once cool, shred or dice the meat into hearty pieces and add the meat to the broth.

3. Canned Chicken – Using cooked and canned chicken is a huge time-saving option. Although, it is one of the most expensive options as well.

How To Make The Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Creamy

Although there are various ways to make broth based soup creamy, this recipe makes it extremely easy to do. Evaporated milk is added at the end of the cooking process to make the soup rich and creamy.

However, if you don’t have evaporated milk you can still make your chicken and wild rice soup creamy. Heavy cream, half-and-half, whole milk, or even a milk substitute like almond or soy milk can be used depending on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Although each alternative will produce a different texture and taste, each option will lend a distinct richness and flavor to the dish.

Instant Pot Cooking Instructions

For those with an Instant Pot or any type of electric pressure cooker this recipe can be made with very little hands on effort. In addition, everything, including raw chicken and wild rice cook in the pot all at the same time.

However, you will need to add an extra cup of water to the ingredients list. This is needed for the rice to cook properly.

To make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup in the Instant Pot start by using the sauté function to cook the vegetables. Then add the remaining ingredients, except the evaporated milk and cook on manual for 35 minutes. After the cooking cycle is complete, slowly release the pressure and remove the lid.

Allow the soup to cool for 5-10 minutes. Then stir in the evaporated milk, add salt to taste, and you’re ready to dive into a bowl of a classic comfort food soup!

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup uncooked wild rice (or wild rice blend)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook the rice according to the package directions.

In a medium pot, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Add the celery, onion, and carrots and cook for five minutes until they begin to soften.

Then add the garlic and thyme and continue to cook for 30 seconds – 1 minute or until fragrant. Add the vegetable broth increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil.

Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot and maintain a low to a simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove the thyme stem from the pot and add the cooked wild rice, cooked chicken evaporated milk and salt.

Continue to cook over medium-low heat until heated through (about 5 minutes). Add salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy! Mary

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