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1. **Cook the Chicken:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. **Make the Creamy Base:** While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half (or heavy cream) and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
5. **Combine Everything:** Once the wild rice is tender, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Pour in the creamy mixture and stir to combine. Continue to cook over low heat for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
7. **Serve and Garnish:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve with warm, crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.
– **Wild Rice Adds a Unique Flavor:** Wild rice is more earthy and nutty compared to regular white rice, giving the soup a unique depth of flavor. It also provides a satisfying chewiness that makes every spoonful feel hearty and filling.
– **Perfect for Customization:** If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices like sage, bay leaves, or a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan. You can also swap in different vegetables like mushrooms or leeks, depending on what you have on hand.
– **Freezer-Friendly:** This soup stores beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers in individual portions for easy meals later on. Simply thaw and reheat for a warm, comforting dinner without the hassle of cooking from scratch.
– **Cook the Rice Separately (Optional):** If you want to ensure the rice doesn’t absorb all the liquid during cooking, you can cook the wild rice separately and add it to the soup at the end. This will help you control the texture of both the rice and the broth.
– **Add More Vegetables:** If you love a veggie-packed soup, feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini. They’ll add more nutrition and freshness to the dish.
– **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** For even less prep work, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken. Just add it in at the end, and the soup will be ready in a fraction of the time.
**Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup** is the perfect way to cozy up on a chilly evening. With its rich, comforting texture, savory chicken, and nutty wild rice, this soup is a satisfying meal that brings a sense of warmth and comfort with every spoonful. It’s not only easy to make, but also versatile and customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it as a solo meal, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So, grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and savor the comfort tonight!
