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Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup (Easy Fall Dinner)

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A rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying soup made in one pot with simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or hosting, this creamy chicken and wild rice soup is a crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug in a bowl.

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
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2–3 breasts)
  • 1 cup wild rice blend
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until softened and the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux.
  3. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Then add the milk, stirring until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Nestle the chicken breasts into the pot, then stir in the wild rice, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring back to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-35 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  5. Using tongs, transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Let rest for a minute, then shred with two forks.
  6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and let simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

For best texture, use a wild rice blend rather than pure wild rice. Cook rice separately for meal prep to prevent soup from becoming too thick. The roux is key for a silky texture—don’t skip it. Keep soup at a gentle simmer to prevent milk from curdling. Season in layers for depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, wild rice soup, creamy soup, one-pot meal, fall dinner, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/creamy-one-pot-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-easy-fall-dinner/