There’s nothing cozier or more comforting than a steaming bowl of Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. This timeless recipe is packed with tender chicken, earthy cremini mushrooms, chewy wild rice, and velvety cream, all nestled in a savory broth that soothes the soul on even the chilliest days. Whether you’re curled up on the couch with your favorite book or serving family dinner on a busy weeknight, this soup wraps you up like a warm, delicious hug—every single time.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the wonderfully simple, yet essential ingredients that make every spoonful of this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup special. Each one brings its own flair, and together they create comfort food magic you’ll crave again and again.

Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy base and helps all the flavors come alive as the veggies cook.
Large onion: Gives the soup a gentle sweetness and provides depth that’s key for serious flavor.
Cremini mushrooms: Lend an earthy flavor and hearty bite; chestnut mushrooms work great, too!
Salt and black pepper: Season the dish perfectly—be sure to taste and adjust to your liking.
Garlic powder: An easy way to infuse the whole soup with mellow, savory warmth.
Dried thyme (or herb blend): Adds a subtle herbal note that pairs so well with chicken and mushrooms.
Tomato paste: Just a tablespoon helps add a surprising umami depth and rich color.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy pop you won’t even realize is there, but you’d miss if it wasn’t!
Soy sauce: Deepens the broth with a background note of savory complexity.
Uncooked wild rice: The star for texture and nutty flavor, plus that beautiful chewy bite.
Chicken broth: Forms the backbone of the whole soup—use great-tasting stock for best results.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Stay juicy and tender, shredding beautifully into the soup.
Cornstarch (mixed with cold water): Thickens the broth just enough to make it dreamy and spoon-coating.
Heavy cream: Delivers the iconic creamy touch that truly defines this soup.
Fresh Parmesan: A sprinkle at the end adds a salty, cheesy finish you’ll love melting into the soup.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up the color and taste for the perfect finishing flourish.
Fresh thyme: Layered in at the end for a pop of freshness.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables and Build Flavor

Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add in the onion and mushrooms, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and mushrooms get beautifully soft. This step is all about coaxing out those deep, caramelized flavors from your veggies, so don’t rush—your patience pays off here!

Step 2: Add Rice and Broth

Next, stir in the tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. This curious trio layers in surprising richness and depth, which makes this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup shine. Toss in the wild rice, give everything a good mix, and pour in the chicken broth. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat, and cook for about 25 minutes, just until the rice starts to become tender but still chewy.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Once the rice has had a head start, slip in the chicken thighs. Let them simmer gently in the bubbling broth, soaking up all that flavor, for another 20 minutes. Once they’re cooked through and wonderfully tender, fish them out and set them aside on a plate. Let them rest for a few minutes—this makes shredding so much easier and juicier!

Step 4: Shred and Return Chicken

Shred the chicken using two forks into bite-sized, rustic pieces. Slide this mountain of tender chicken right back into your bubbling soup—it’s about to get even cozier. Stir well so those juicy pieces are flecked throughout every spoonful.

Step 5: Thicken, Enrich, and Finish

Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let the soup bubble for a couple more minutes—it’ll thicken up to the perfect creamy consistency. Take your Dutch oven off the heat, then gently swirl in the cream, parsley, fresh thyme, and—last but not least—a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan. Give it all a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then get ready to serve one of the best Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup experiences around!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle your bowls of Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with extra chopped parsley, a little more fresh thyme, and even an extra dusting of Parmesan for some extra-luxurious flair. For a pop of color, feel free to add a few microgreens or even a quick swirl of cream on top—delicate yet inviting.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal in itself, but if you’re feeding a crowd or craving a little something on the side, serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping, classic garlic toast, or a bright salad of mixed greens. The simple sides help balance the soup’s rich, creamy flavors and round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, ladle your Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup into hollowed-out bread bowls, serve in oversized stoneware mugs for a “hug in a mug” moment, or offer an array of toppings (extra cheese, herbs, hot sauce) so everyone can make their bowl their own. If it’s a dinner party, garnishing with a parmesan crisp or edible flower will really wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just transfer the cooled soup into a sealed container. Since wild rice can soak up more liquid as it sits, you may want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen things up to your perfect consistency.

Freezing

Unfortunately, due to the generous amount of cream in this soup, freezing isn’t the best idea. Cream can separate and become grainy after freezing and thawing, which affects the texture of your beautiful soup. If you need to freeze, try making the soup up to the point before adding the cream, and add that in freshly after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour your soup into a saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring often. If it’s too thick, loosen it with a splash of broth or water until you reach your ideal creamy texture. Avoid boiling, as a gentle heat keeps the cream smooth and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work in a pinch, but thighs are favored for their extra tenderness and flavor. If you go with breasts, watch the cooking time to avoid drying them out, and shred them just as you would the thighs.

Is it necessary to soak wild rice before cooking?

Soaking wild rice overnight can reduce cooking time significantly, but it’s totally optional. Most of the time, wild rice cooks up perfectly tender in this soup as written—just check that the grains have split and the texture is pleasantly chewy.

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap in your favorite plant-based chicken substitute or use extra mushrooms, and be sure to choose a rich vegetable broth. The soup remains just as hearty and full of flavor without the meat.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

The cornstarch slurry works wonders, but if you want an even thicker result, let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after adding the chicken back in. You can also stir in a bit more cream or cheese for extra body.

How can I add extra vegetables?

Feel free to get creative! Diced carrots, celery, or spinach blend beautifully into this soup. Add root veggies early so they have time to cook, or stir in tender greens in the last few minutes for a nutritional boost.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup—the way it brings everyone to the table and fills the kitchen with tempting aromas is truly special. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or stashing leftovers for a comforting lunch, this soup is the kind of cozy, easy home cooking you’ll turn to again and again. Give it a try soon, and let it become a warm favorite at your house, too!