If your soul craves a cozy, nourishing meal that’s as stunning as it is satisfying, this Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe has to be on your must-make list. Bursting with lean chicken, hearty wild rice, and loads of colorful, aromatic veggies, it’s pure comfort in a bowl, but with a wonderfully light and wholesome spin. Every spoonful delivers layers of earthy flavor, herby aroma, and a creamy texture—without any guilt—making it a go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you need that perfect hug from your kitchen.

Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this soup couldn’t be simpler, yet each one is purposeful—either for depth, heartiness, or a fresh, welcoming taste. Together, they create that signature flavor and satisfying texture you expect from the best Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe.

Olive oil: Adds healthy richness and helps soften the veggies for maximum flavor.
Onion: Essential for that savory base and subtle sweetness in every bite.
Garlic: Brings warmth and a fragrant depth that all great soups need.
Carrots: For natural sweetness and inviting pops of color.
Celery: Infuses the broth with a gentle, peppery crunch.
Dried thyme: Earthy, floral notes that tie the aromatics and broth together.
Dried rosemary: Adds a gentle woodsy note and rounds out the herbal flavors.
Black pepper: Gives that subtle kick and extra dimension.
Salt: Helps all the flavors shine and makes the soup sing—taste as you go!
Uncooked wild rice blend: The star grain, hearty and slightly nutty, with a satisfying chew.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The foundation of the soup; lower sodium keeps it light and healthy.
Cooked, shredded chicken breast: Lean protein that makes the soup hearty and filling.
Unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk: For that creamy finish without weighing things down—choose what fits your needs.
Flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free): Adds the perfect body and silkiness to the broth.
Fresh lemon juice (optional): Invigorates and brightens all the flavors—just a splash makes a difference!
Chopped parsley for garnish: A fresh pop of green to finish and elevate every bowl.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies gently for about 5 to 6 minutes—they should soften and turn fragrant, which really sets the foundation for the entire Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe.

Step 2: Add Flavor with Herbs and Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook for just one minute. This quick step wakes up the herbs and infuses the oil with aromatic flavors, ensuring each bite will feel layered and intentional.

Step 3: Simmer Rice and Broth

Next, sprinkle in your uncooked wild rice blend and pour in that gorgeous chicken broth. Turn the heat up, bring it all to a gentle boil, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the magic happen. Simmer for 45 to 50 minutes so the wild rice turns perfectly tender and the broth absorbs all those irresistible flavors.

Step 4: Creamy Finish, Minus the Heavy Cream

While the rice is finishing, whisk the milk (almond or low-fat, your choice) with the flour or cornstarch in a small bowl until totally smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup, and let everything simmer another 5 to 7 minutes. This little trick thickens the broth, giving the Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe that comforting creamy texture without the heaviness.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Brighten

Gently fold in the cooked, shredded chicken breast and, if you’re feeling zesty, that splash of fresh lemon juice. Let it all heat through for a couple minutes. Taste, adjust for seasoning, and get ready for the best part—serving it up!

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

This soup loves a finish of fresh chopped parsley for verdant color and a hint of briskness. If you’re feeling fancy, add extra cracked black pepper, a few shavings of parmesan, or a sprinkle of lemon zest—just for brightness and depth.

Side Dishes

Crusty whole grain bread is a classic pairing, perfect for soaking up the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a crisp companion, or offer roasted veggies to turn your meal into a wholesome, satisfying spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe in rustic mugs for coziness, or try wide shallow bowls to show off the vibrant colors of the vegetables and fresh parsley. Family-style presentations in a big Dutch oven always invite everyone to gather around and help themselves—warm, welcoming, and memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe completely before popping it into airtight containers. Tucked into the fridge, it stays fresh and delicious for up to four days—ready for quick lunches or no-fuss dinners.

Freezing

This soup is a freezer superstar! Just ladle into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge—wild rice will hold its texture better than most grains.

Reheating

To reheat, simmer the soup gently on the stovetop or zap in the microwave until piping hot. Since the soup can thicken as it sits, simply add a splash of chicken broth or a little water to bring back that perfect texture if needed.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut—just shred or chop it and stir it in during the final minutes so it heats through without getting dry.

What if I don’t have wild rice?

If wild rice isn’t available, you can substitute with a wild rice blend or even brown rice in a pinch. Expect the texture and flavor to change slightly, but the soup will still be hearty and delicious.

Is this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?

Yes, the Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe can be made dairy-free by using unsweetened almond or oat milk, and gluten-free by swapping in cornstarch instead of flour. It’s flexible for nearly any diet!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in spinach, kale, or even diced mushrooms during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This is a great way to tailor the soup to what you have on hand or sneak in more veggies.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Always add cooked chicken at the end of the cooking process, just long enough to heat through. This keeps the chicken moist and tender without overcooking it in the broth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a nourishing, feel-good meal that’s equal parts easy and impressive, this Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen lineup. It’s perfect for anytime you need a big bowl of comfort—give it a try, and let your family’s new favorite soup simmer away!

Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup. This hearty soup is packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a creamy, flavorful broth.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Soup Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
Cook the Rice: Add wild rice and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 45–50 minutes until rice is tender.
Thicken the Soup: Whisk milk with flour until smooth. Stir into the soup and simmer until slightly thickened. Add chicken and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!

Notes

To make dairy-free, use almond or oat milk.
This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen. Add a splash of broth when reheating if it thickens too much.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American