There is something incredibly comforting and deeply satisfying about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s packed with nourishing ingredients and bursting with flavor. This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and wholesome, combining tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and fresh vegetables into a creamy, soothing meal that’s ideal for chilly days or anytime you crave a warm hug in a bowl. With fresh herbs, a touch of garlic, and a velvety texture, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen and your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with everyday ingredients that bring layers of flavor, texture, and color to each spoonful. Every component plays its part—from the nutty wild rice adding chew and depth, to the fresh vegetables enhancing both taste and nutrition.
- 1.5 pounds any raw chicken pieces: Provides tender, juicy protein and deeply satisfying substance.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and a savory foundation.
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced: Lends gentle warmth and fragrant depth.
- 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped: Brings a touch of earthiness and vibrant color.
- 3 large celery stalks, diced: Offers a subtle crunch and fresh herbal notes.
- 2 large potatoes, diced: Creates creamy body and hearty texture.
- ½ cup dried mushrooms or 2 cups fresh brown mushrooms, sliced: Adds umami richness and meaty flavor.
- 1 ½ cups wild rice: The star grain delivers nutty flavor and chewy bite.
- 7 cups water or low sodium chicken broth: Builds a flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses a subtle herbal aroma and warm notes.
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard: Brings brightness and a gentle tang that lifts the soup.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt: Balances and amplifies all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a touch of spice and warmth.
- 2 cups whole milk: Creates creamy smoothness and rounds out the broth.
- Small bunch parsley, finely chopped: Brings fresh, vibrant color and a mild herbal bite.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for stovetop only): Adds richness and helps build flavor at the start.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Start by heating butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat (if you’re using the stovetop method). Once melted, toss in the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant. Next, add carrots, celery, fresh mushrooms if using, along with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture cook for another 5 minutes, which develops the base aromas that make this soup so irresistibly inviting.
Step 2: Combine Chicken, Vegetables, Wild Rice, and Liquid
Once your aromatics are beautifully softened, stir in the chicken pieces, potatoes, dried mushrooms if fresh aren’t available, wild rice, and your choice of water or low sodium chicken broth. Cover the pot and bring everything to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for about 55 minutes so the rice cooks fully, chicken becomes tender, and all the flavors marry perfectly.
Step 3: Alternative Cooking Methods
If stovetop cooking isn’t your style, you can easily transfer this recipe to a slow cooker or Instant Pot for effortless cooking. For the slow cooker, sauté the aromatics first in a skillet, then add everything to the cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours. For Instant Pot cooking, simply combine all ingredients (except the milk and mustard) and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes followed by a quick release—total convenience without losing flavor.
Step 4: Shred Chicken, Add Creaminess, and Final Touches
After cooking, carefully remove the chicken pieces and shred with two forks. Stir in the milk and prepared mustard into the soup. Using an immersion blender, blend just a few pulses to gently thicken the soup while keeping some of the texture intact. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth, and adjust seasoning as needed. Finally, stir in the shredded chicken and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a fresh, herby finish.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the flavors and presentation, a handful of fresh parsley or a few extra twists of black pepper on top brighten each bowl. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for an extra touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread, perfect for dipping and savoring every bit of the creamy broth. Crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even warm garlic breadsticks complement the wholesome character of this dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your meal feel extra special, serve the soup in rustic bowls or mini bread bowls for a fun twist. Adding a lemon wedge on the side can offer a fresh zing that invigorates each bite. For family gatherings, consider offering garnishes buffet-style, encouraging everyone to customize their bowl exactly how they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent any flavors from mingling with other foods.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving room for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the texture if it thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid boiling to keep the chicken tender and the milk from curdling.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of whole pieces?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work just fine and will shred easily once cooked. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if your pieces are smaller to avoid overcooking.
Is wild rice necessary or can I substitute with regular rice?
Wild rice adds a unique nutty flavor and chewy texture that’s signature in this soup, but you can certainly substitute with long grain rice or brown rice—just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Simply replace the whole milk with a plant-based milk like coconut, almond, or oat milk. Coconut milk will add a lovely creaminess, while almond and oat milk keep it light—pick your favorite.
What if I don’t have dried mushrooms?
Fresh brown mushrooms are a perfect substitute, adding an earthy richness. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, feel free to omit them; the soup will still taste wonderful and hearty.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger batch?
Definitely. This recipe scales up nicely for bigger families or meal prepping. Just make sure your pot or slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the volume without overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is a true superstar for any home cook wanting an easy, nourishing, and flavorful meal that comforts the soul and delights the palate. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to its cozy goodness again and again, whether on a chilly afternoon or whenever you need a little kitchen magic. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (stovetop) / 8 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker) / 40 minutes (Instant Pot including prep and pressure release)
- Yield: 7 servings 1x
Description
This Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a hearty, nutritious, and comforting meal perfect for any time of the year. Made with tender chicken pieces, earthy wild rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth enriched with milk and mustard, this soup delivers balanced flavors and textures. Whether prepared on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot, it offers flexibility and ease without compromising on taste. It’s a wholesome choice for a family meal, filled with vitamins, protein, and fiber.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1.5 pounds any raw chicken pieces (breasts, drumsticks, or cut-up whole chicken)
- 7 cups water or low sodium chicken broth
Vegetables and Mushrooms
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped
- 3 large celery stalks, diced
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- ½ cup dried mushrooms or 2 cups fresh brown mushrooms, sliced
Grains and Seasonings
- 1 ½ cups wild rice
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- Small bunch parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (for stovetop and slow cooker sauté only)
Instructions
- Prepare the base (Stovetop option): Preheat a large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add butter and wait until melted. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook vegetables (Stovetop option): Add the coarsely chopped carrots, diced celery, fresh mushrooms if using, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes to soften and develop flavor.
- Add main ingredients (Stovetop option): Add the chicken pieces, diced potatoes, dried mushrooms if fresh weren’t used, wild rice, and the water or low sodium chicken broth to the pot.
- Simmer the soup (Stovetop option): Cover the pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup cook gently for about 55 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Prepare the base (Slow Cooker option): Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat, adding butter. When melted, sauté onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes. Add carrots, celery, fresh mushrooms (if used), thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes to soften.
- Transfer and cook (Slow Cooker option): Move the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken, potatoes, dried mushrooms (if not using fresh), wild rice, and water or broth. Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 5-6 hours until everything is tender.
- Prepare ingredients (Instant Pot option): In the Instant Pot, add chicken pieces, chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, mushrooms, wild rice, water or broth, thyme, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pressure cook (Instant Pot option): Secure the lid, set the pressure valve to sealing, and select Pressure Cook or Manual on High pressure for 25 minutes. When done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release by turning the valve to venting.
- Shred chicken: Remove the cooked chicken onto a plate and shred it using two forks while the soup continues to cook or settle.
- Finish the soup: Return to the pot or Instant Pot, add the whole milk and prepared mustard. Use an immersion blender to pulse a few times until the soup reaches the desired creamy thickness. Adjust thickness, seasoning, and add extra water if needed.
- Add chicken and herbs: Stir the shredded chicken and finely chopped parsley into the soup. Mix thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup hot into bowls. Optionally, serve with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the comforting and nourishing soup immediately.
Notes
- You can choose fresh or dried mushrooms depending on availability; dried mushrooms add a deeper flavor while fresh offer texture.
- Using low sodium broth allows better control of saltiness.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk.
- Immersion blending allows control over soup texture; blend more for creaminess, less for chunkier soup.
- The recipe is flexible for cooking methods – stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot based on convenience.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and freeze nicely for up to 2 months.
- For gluten-free option, ensure the mustard and broth used are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (stovetop) / 8 hours (slow cooker low) / 25 minutes (Instant Pot pressure cook plus 10 minutes natural release)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
