There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup that wraps you up in cozy vibes—and this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe does just that. It’s rich, loaded with tender chicken and hearty wild rice, and that little touch of cream makes it irresistibly smooth.

A white bowl filled with a creamy soup showing three main layers: a pale creamy base, scattered black wild rice grains, and pieces of light beige chicken and vegetables on top. The vegetables include bright orange sliced carrots, green leafy spinach, and small chunks of green celery. A silver spoon rests on the right side, partially submerged in the soup, and a small sprig of fresh green herbs lies on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting highlighting the textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This soup holds a special place in my heart because it's the perfect blend of creamy richness and wholesome ingredients that actually nourish you. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Hearty & comforting: The wild rice adds a nutty texture that makes this soup satisfyingly filling.
Simple ingredients, big flavor: You don’t need fancy stuff here—just fresh veggies, good chicken, and classic herbs.
Super creamy texture: That touch of double cream and a quick roux gives it a velvety finish that’s so inviting.
Make it your own: It’s so easy to tweak with whatever veggies or herbs you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here come together beautifully, creating a soup that’s both rich and fresh. Wild rice might take a bit longer to cook than regular rice, but it’s so worth it for that texture and earthy flavor. And the butter, flour, and cream team up to give the soup a luscious body.

Flat lay of two whole uncracked chicken breasts, a small pile of wild rice grains, a white ceramic bowl with sliced celery stalks, a white ceramic bowl with sliced carrots, a white ceramic bowl with chopped onion, a single whole garlic clove, three fresh thyme sprigs, one dried bay leaf, a small white bowl of melted butter, a small white bowl with raw flour, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a few fresh spinach leaves, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Adds a rich base for sautéing and brings out the sweetness of the vegetables.
Celery & Carrots: Classic soup veggies that build a flavorful foundation and a touch of natural sweetness.
Onion: Gives depth and aroma to the soup.
Garlic: Just a hint brings warmth and complexity.
Fresh Thyme or Dried Thyme: Adds herbal notes that brighten the creamy base.
Bay Leaf: Infuses subtle earthiness while the soup simmers.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that shreds beautifully into the soup.
Wild Rice (or Long Grain Rice): Wild rice’s chewy texture is fantastic in soup, though long grain works in a pinch.
Chicken Stock: The heart of the soup’s flavor — homemade if you can, but store-bought works fine.
Double/Heavy Cream: Brings that creamy luxury that transforms the soup into comfort food heaven.
Flour (for the roux): Thickens the soup gently without clumping when mixed properly.
Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh contrast to the creamy soup.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve played around with this creamy chicken wild rice soup recipe so many times—and honestly, it’s pretty forgiving. You can swap out veggies, add more herbs, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken for a super quick version.

Variation: I sometimes toss in sautéed mushrooms or swap spinach for kale in cooler months—it changes the flavor nicely without losing that cozy feel.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use coconut cream or cashew cream to keep it rich but dairy-free—just add a touch of nutmeg to keep the warmth.
Spicier Kick: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gives the soup an unexpected warmth that I love on chilly evenings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies Gently

Start by melting a tablespoon of butter over low heat, then add your sliced celery, carrots, and chopped onion. Cook these for about 5 to 7 minutes—you want them soft and fragrant, not browned. Then toss in minced garlic and thyme, cooking for just another 30 seconds to release their aroma. This slow sauté builds the flavor foundation you’ll taste in every spoonful.

Step 2: Add Stock, Chicken & Rice

Pour in the chicken stock, add a bay leaf, season lightly with salt and pepper, and gently place the chicken breasts in. Stir in the wild rice—it’s key to use wild rice here if you want that chewy texture, but long grain rice works if you’re in a hurry. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. I usually peek around 40 minutes just to check the rice texture so it’s perfectly done.

Step 3: Shred Chicken & Stir in Cream

Remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks—don’t rush this; shredding by hand keeps the texture better than chopping. Return the shredded chicken back to the soup and pour in the double cream. This is where the soup starts to feel luxurious and cozy.

Step 4: Make the Roux & Thicken the Soup

Mix the melted butter with the flour to create your roux, then stir this mixture carefully into the soup. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. This is the magic step that gives the soup that creamy, velvety consistency without being too heavy.

Step 5: Final Touch with Spinach

Stir in fresh spinach leaves last, just enough to wilt them gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Then, take it off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving—the flavors deepen wonderfully as it sits.

Top Tip

From making this soup over and over, I’ve found a few little tricks that take it from good to unforgettable. These are the kind of tips I wish I knew the first time I cooked it.

Low and slow sauté: Cooking the veggies gently deepens their natural sweetness and prevents harsh onion or garlic bites.
Don’t skip the shredding: Shredded chicken mixes into the soup better and tastes more tender than chopped chunks.
Avoid lumps in your roux: Stir the melted butter and flour vigorously before adding it to the soup and whisk well when stirring into hot liquid.
Season gradually: Add salt and pepper little by little and taste—wild rice and chicken stock can vary in saltiness.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

chicken wild rice soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top—it adds that fresh pop of green and aroma. Sometimes a little grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil lifts the richness even more. A crack of fresh black pepper at the end makes it perfect.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this soup with crusty artisan bread or a warm baguette to soak up every creamy bit. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a nice contrast if you want something light alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I serve the soup in rustic bread bowls—it just feels so charming and extra cozy. Another fun idea is layering the soup with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or crispy bacon bits on top for texture and flavor contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You’ll want to give it a good stir before reheating, as the wild rice tends to settle at the bottom. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to mingle.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, though the cream might separate slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently to bring it back together without curdling.

Reheating

Reheat over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving too aggressively to keep that creamy texture smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice or white rice instead of wild rice?

You can substitute with brown or long grain white rice, but keep in mind that wild rice has a chewier texture and nuttier flavor that really defines this soup. Brown rice takes about the same time to cook, while white rice cooks faster, so adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid mushiness.

What can I do if my soup is too thick?

If the soup ends up thicker than you like, simply add a bit more chicken stock or water while reheating. Stir well and heat gently until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen beautifully after resting overnight in the fridge. Just store it properly in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream substitute to keep it creamy without dairy. Just note the flavor will shift slightly with the alternative cream.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe always reminds me of the chilly evenings when I first perfected it—a bowl of warmth that made the whole kitchen smell like comfort. I truly believe you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it. So grab that pot, some fresh ingredients, and treat yourself to this soulful, nourishing soup. You won’t regret it.