# Comforting Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Meal for Chilly Nights
**Introduction**
Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of hearty soup during the chilly months? Our Chicken and Wild Rice Soup blends the wholesome goodness of vegetables, tender chicken, and wild rice in a savory broth that warms you from the inside out.
**Why Make This Recipe**
Who doesn’t love a bowl brimming with nourishing ingredients and hinting at rustic simplicity? This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup provides just that. It’s an ideal family meal, promising both nourishment and comfort. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, even for novice cooks.
**How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup**
Excited to whip up this wholesome delight? Let’s quickly walk you through the process.
**Ingredients:**
Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 diced medium onion
– 3 cloves of minced garlic
– 2 sliced carrots
– 2 chopped stalks of celery
– 1 cup of wild rice
– 8 cups of chicken broth
– 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken
– 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half
– Fresh parsley for garnish
**Directions:**
1. Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the onions turn translucent.
2. Mix in the wild rice, pour in the chicken broth, and add the thyme and rosemary. Bring it to a boil, then shift the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
3. Add the chicken, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cream, heating the soup gently but avoid boiling.
4. Check and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
And that’s all there is to it!
**How to Serve Chicken and Wild Rice Soup**
Serve this soup piping hot in deep bowls, sprinkling some fresh parsley for garnish. It goes well with a side of garlic bread or a small green salad.
**How to Store Chicken and Wild Rice Soup**
This soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating and serving.
**Tips to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup**
1. Use a mix of wild rice for a variety of textures.
2. Opt for a homemade chicken broth if possible for the best flavor.
3. You can add additional veggies like mushrooms or peas for an extra nutrition boost.
**Variation**
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and the shredded chicken with canned chickpeas.
**FAQs**
**Q1: Can I use a different type of rice?**
Yes, you can use any type of rice, but wild rice holds best in soups and adds a unique flavor and texture.
**Q2: Can I make this soup in advance?**
Absolutely! This soup keeps well for a few days in the refrigerator and actually develops more flavor over time.
**Q3: Can I freeze this soup?**
Yes, this soup freezes quite well. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing.
Enjoy the simplicity and comfort of this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – it just might become your new family favorite!