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Cozy One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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This creamy chicken and wild rice soup is a happy accident turned into a beloved recipe. With tender chicken, a naturally creamy broth from broken-down wild rice, and simple ingredients, it’s a one-pot wonder that tastes like a warm hug on a cold day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about ¾ cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)
  • 1 cup wild rice blend
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra thickness)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry, if using)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and onions are translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  4. Add the chicken breasts and wild rice blend. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken. If desired, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry, then stir into the soup. Simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until thickened.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional black pepper. Pair with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

Don’t rinse the wild rice; the starch helps create a creamy texture. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer after adding cream to prevent separation. Season in layers for depth of flavor. If soup thickens overnight, add a splash of broth or water when reheating. For freezing, undercook rice by 5 minutes and add cream after thawing.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken soup, wild rice soup, one-pot soup, comfort food, chicken and rice soup, winter soup, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/cozy-one-pot-creamy-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup/