Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup 🍲🍃

This creamy chicken and wild rice soup is a comforting dish that's perfect for cold days or whenever you're in the mood for something hearty and delicious. It's creamy, packed with flavor, and loaded with tender chicken, wild rice, and bright vegetables. You can easily customize it to fit your taste, making it a family favorite!

Consider pairing it with crusty bread for dipping or a fresh side salad for a complete meal! 🥖🥗

Ingredients

For the soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter version)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon

For garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the veggies are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

🥄 Don’t rush this step; caramelizing the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing the flavor of the soup.

• Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the wild rice, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

• Once the wild rice is cooked, stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

• Add the fresh spinach and lemon juice, stirring until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

🔍 Feel free to adjust the seasoning! A touch of garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne can elevate the flavor profile even more.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap chicken for white beans or additional veggies like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Dairy-free: Replace heavy cream with almond milk or a cashew cream to keep it creamy without dairy.
• Add more veggies: Consider tossing in peas, corn, or bell peppers to increase the nutrient content and color.
• Spicy kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.

This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is oh-so-satisfying and perfect for meal prep—make it ahead and enjoy the flavors deepening over time! 🥣✨