Quick Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Featured in: Cozy Dinner Bowls

This comforting dish features tender chicken breast combined with nutty wild rice and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in savory broth. The addition of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf infuses warmth, while optional cream adds a smooth finish. Perfect for a quick and nourishing meal, it offers a balanced blend of protein, grains, and flavorful ingredients. Versatile and easy to prepare, it’s ideal for a cozy dinner any night.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:20:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, garnished with parsley, ready to warm you up. Save to Pinterest
Steaming bowl of Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, garnished with parsley, ready to warm you up. | lovelyserena.com

A comforting, hearty soup featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth—perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.

Leftover rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe

Ingredients

  • Proteins: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • Grains: 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend
  • Vegetables: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion, diced, 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced, 2 celery stalks, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Liquids: 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • Dairy (optional): 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half (optional, for a creamy version)
  • Herbs & Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat Add onion, carrots, and celery Sauté for 4 5 minutes until vegetables are softened
Step 2:
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
Step 3:
Add wild rice blend, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer Cover and cook for 20 25 minutes, or until rice is tender
Step 4:
Stir in cooked chicken and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until heated through
Step 5:
(Optional) For a creamy soup, add the heavy cream or half and half and heat gently without boiling
Step 6:
Season with salt and pepper to taste Remove bay leaf
Step 7:
Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot
A creamy spoonful of delicious Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, filled with tender chicken and veggies. Save to Pinterest
A creamy spoonful of delicious Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, filled with tender chicken and veggies. | lovelyserena.com

This soup brings the family together on chilly evenings, always earning compliments and requesting seconds

Required Tools

Large soup pot, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Wooden spoon, Ladle

Allergen Information

Contains Dairy (if using cream or half and half) Naturally gluten free; ensure broth and other packaged ingredients are gluten free if sensitive

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 29 g, Protein: 26 g

Freshly made Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, promising a comforting and gluten-free weeknight dinner. Save to Pinterest
Freshly made Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, promising a comforting and gluten-free weeknight dinner. | lovelyserena.com

This comforting soup is perfect for any day you crave warmth and wholesome flavors

Ask About This Recipe

What type of rice is used in this dish?

A wild rice blend is used to provide a nutty texture and flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the heavy cream or half-and-half for a dairy-free version without compromising the hearty flavor.

How long does it take to cook the wild rice properly?

Simmer the wild rice blend for 20 to 25 minutes until it becomes tender and fully cooked.

What fresh vegetables are included?

This dish features diced yellow onion, sliced carrots, and celery stalks to add depth and freshness.

Is leftover cooked chicken suitable for this meal?

Yes, shredded or diced leftover rotisserie chicken works well, saving time while maintaining flavor.

Are there any suggested additions for more flavor or texture?

Adding a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish, and tossing in baby spinach near the end adds extra greens.

Quick Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Hearty dish with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Wheat-Free

What You Need

Proteins

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

Grains

01 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend

Vegetables

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

01 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Dairy (optional)

01 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)

Herbs & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon dried thyme
02 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
03 1 bay leaf
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
05 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make It

Step 01

Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Simmer rice and broth: Add uncooked wild rice blend, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 04

Incorporate chicken: Stir in cooked chicken breast and continue to simmer for 5 minutes to heat through.

Step 05

Add cream (optional): If preferred, gently stir in heavy cream or half-and-half without boiling to create a creamy texture.

Step 06

Season and finish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.

Step 07

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large soup pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains dairy if cream or half-and-half is used
  • Naturally gluten-free; verify broth and packaged items if sensitive

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Lipids: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 26 g