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Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting American classic that's perfect for chilly days or when you need a bowl of warmth.
With tender chicken thighs, nutty wild rice, and a medley of vegetables, it's a nutritious and satisfying meal in one pot.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, if preferred)
  • 1 cup wild rice blend
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 carrots sliced
  • 3 celery stalks chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried sage
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Cook Wild Rice: Start by cooking your wild rice separately according to package instructions. This prevents it from getting mushy in the soup.
  • Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Prepare and Season Chicken: While the vegetables are sautéing, lightly season the chicken thighs (or breasts) with salt and pepper on both sides.

Cook Chicken Separately (Optional):

  • Option 1: Brown the chicken in a separate pan for 3-4 minutes per side to avoid adding extra fat to the soup, then add the cooked chicken to the pot.
  • Option 2: Add the raw, seasoned chicken directly to the pot, if using skinless chicken thighs or breasts, without the risk of excess fat.
  • Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth, add bay leaves, thyme, and sage. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred it. Return shredded chicken to the pot along with the cooked wild rice.
  • Final Seasoning and Simmer: Simmer everything together for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Keyword Chicken and Wild Rice Soup