Quick Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Meals

This dish offers a warm, satisfying mix of shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of sautéed vegetables simmered in savory broth. Herbal notes of thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf infuse depth, while an optional creamy touch enhances richness. Perfect for quick preparation, it balances wholesome grains and proteins with fresh flavors, making for a nutritious and cozy meal any time.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:53:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, garnished with vibrant parsley, perfect for a cozy dinner. Save
Steaming bowl of Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, garnished with vibrant parsley, perfect for a cozy dinner. | moonthyme.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.

I first served this soup on a chilly evening and it quickly became a favorite in our household for its rich flavors and easy preparation.

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.
Hearty Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, showcasing tender chicken and flavorful vegetables in a rich broth. Save
Hearty Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, showcasing tender chicken and flavorful vegetables in a rich broth. | moonthyme.com

Sharing this soup with family always warms our hearts and brings everyone together around the table.

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

Close-up of a warm, golden Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, promising a comforting and delicious meal. Save
Close-up of a warm, golden Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, promising a comforting and delicious meal. | moonthyme.com

This soup is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and comfort, great for any season or occasion.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?

Yes, shredded leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken works well and saves time during preparation.

Is it possible to make this without dairy?

Absolutely. Simply omit the cream or half-and-half for a dairy-free version without compromising flavor.

How do I ensure the wild rice cooks properly?

Simmer the wild rice blend in broth for 20–25 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Can I add more vegetables for extra nutrition?

Yes, adding spinach or other greens in the last few minutes of cooking boosts freshness and nutrients.

What seasonings enhance the flavor?

Thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper create a savory base that complements the chicken and wild rice beautifully.

Quick Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Tender chicken and wild rice combined with fresh vegetables in a savory, hearty broth.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Total Duration
45 min
Created by Lydia Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 4 Serving Size

Diet Info No Gluten

What You'll 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 wild rice blend, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 04

Add Chicken: Stir in cooked chicken and continue to simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 05

Incorporate Cream (Optional): If desired, add heavy cream or half-and-half and warm gently without boiling.

Step 06

Season and Garnish: Remove bay leaf. Season soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and ask a medical professional when unsure.
  • Contains dairy if cream or half-and-half is used. Naturally gluten-free but verify ingredient labels if sensitive.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

These details are for reference only, and shouldn't replace healthcare advice.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 26 g