This hearty, creamy bowl of joy is made from cooked chicken, and nutty wild rice. This is cozy comfort food that will become one of your favorites.
Why You'll Love Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
1. Quick and Convenient: The use of minute wild rice makes this recipe a time-saver, allowing you to prepare a hearty and nutritious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The inclusion of cooked chicken also reduces cooking time.
2. Versatile and Family-Friendly: This soup is versatile, and you can easily customize it based on your family's preferences. It includes classic and widely enjoyed ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and rice, making it likely to be a hit with both kids and adults.
3. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: The recipe incorporates a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients such as vegetables, wild rice, and lean chicken. This ensures that your family gets a balance of essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins in their meal.
4. Leftover-Friendly: If you happen to have leftover cooked chicken, this recipe provides a great way to repurpose it into a delicious and comforting soup. It's a smart way to minimize food waste and make the most of your ingredients.
5. Comforting and Freezable: Soups are often considered comfort food, and having a batch of this soup on hand can be a convenient solution for busy days. You can make a large batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy future meals. This ensures that your family has access to a wholesome homemade meal, even on hectic days.
Health Benefits of Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
1. Wild Rice: Wild rice is a whole grain that provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, and various nutrients. It contains more protein, fiber, and certain vitamins and minerals compared to white rice.
2. Olive Oil: Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It can help improve cholesterol levels and contribute to overall cardiovascular health.
3. Vegetables (Onion, Carrots, Celery): The inclusion of vegetables adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the soup. Carrots, in particular, are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the body.
4. Chicken Broth: Homemade or low-sodium chicken broth can provide essential nutrients. Broth-based soups are also generally lower in calories than cream-based ones.
5. Cooked Chicken: Chicken is a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Prep: 20 mins. | Cook Time: 30 mins. | Serves: 8
Ingredients
2 c. wild rice (I use the minute rice version)
¼ c. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery (chopped)
1 tsp. dried thyme
¾ c. all-purpose flour
6 c. chicken broth
2 c. cooked chicken
Salt and pepper to taste
1 c. half and half
2 T. dried parsley
Let's Get Started!
Step 1: Cook wild rice according to package instructions. Set aside
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over a medium-high heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the dried thyme and flour. Cook, stirring well for about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add in chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Then add cooked chicken, salt, and pepper; reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes
Step 4: Add cooked wild rice and half/half. Bring to a boil for about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, garnish with parsley (optional). Then serve
Jazz It Up!
Here are a few ideas to jazz up your hearty chicken & wild rice soup:
1. Wild Mushroom Medley: add a mix of wild mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, or chanterelles, for an earthy and rich flavor. Sauté them with the vegetables in the early stages of the recipe.
2. Herb Infusion: experiment with a variety of fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or marjoram in addition to or in place of thyme. Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor.
3. Garlic Boost: include a couple of minced garlic cloves for an extra layer of savory goodness. Add the garlic when sautéing the vegetables.
4. White Wine: deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables for added depth. Allow it to cook off slightly before proceeding with the flour.
5. Vegetable Variety: consider adding other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for additional color and texture.
6. Bacon Crumbles: crisp up some bacon separately, crumble it, and sprinkle it on top just before serving for a smoky and salty kick.
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