Description
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a warm and comforting dish packed with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and luscious plant-based cream. This nourishing soup features a rich and creamy texture, flavorful broth infused with fresh herbs, and a perfect balance of protein and fiber. Ideal for cozy meals, it’s easy to prepare and customizable with various veggies and spices, making it a versatile comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb tender chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup plant-based cream (unsweetened oat or cashew cream recommended)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup smoked turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Finely chop onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté these vegetables in olive oil over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and softened, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Cook the Chicken and Wild Rice: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Then pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the rinsed wild rice. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the wild rice is tender and has expanded.
- Add Creaminess and Flavor: Slowly stir in the plant-based cream and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, mixing well to combine. If using smoked turkey bacon, cook separately until crispy, then crumble and add to the soup at this stage for a savory smoky flavor.
- Finish with Herbs and Seasonings: Sprinkle freshly chopped thyme and parsley into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Incorporate the natural gelling agent carefully, whisking to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, silky texture. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs and vegetables to enhance the soup’s vibrant flavor.
- Cook rice separately if short on time and add to soup later.
- Simmer gently on low heat to develop flavor without rushing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning gradually to balance flavors.
- Monitor chicken pieces to prevent overcooking for tender, juicy bites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Creamy chicken soup, wild rice soup, plant-based cream soup, comforting soup, healthy chicken soup, wild rice chicken soup
