There’s something so comforting about a bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug. This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is just that—rich, hearty, and filled with tender chicken and nutty wild rice in a creamy broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings. It’s one of those recipes I always go back to when I want something soothing but still packed with flavor.

A bowl filled with a creamy soup that has a thick, light beige base mixed with dark wild rice grains scattered throughout. There are visible pieces of white meat, sliced bright orange carrot rounds, green spinach leaves, and small chunks of light green celery evenly spread on the surface. A silver spoon is dipped inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is white and placed on a white marbled surface. 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 creamy chicken wild rice soup has been a staple in my kitchen for years because of how it hits all the right notes—comfort, nutrition, and ease. I’m excited to share why it might quickly become your go-to soup, too.

Hearty yet Fresh: The wild rice adds a chewy, nutty texture that makes each spoonful satisfyingly substantial without feeling heavy.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry and fridge already, which makes this a perfect last-minute dinner.
Customizable Creaminess: You control the richness of the soup by adjusting the amount of cream, making it lighter or more indulgent based on your mood.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s warming, familiar, and ideal for chilly days, but also elegant enough for company.

This image shows a close-up of a creamy soup with several layers. The base layer is a thick, light beige cream with a smooth texture. Floating in this cream are orange carrot slices, soft green spinach leaves, and thin pieces of light green celery. There are also small bits of dark brown wild rice scattered throughout. In one area, a soft piece of pale cooked chicken rests near the surface. The soup fills a white bowl, resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe plays a starring role, from the fresh veggies to the wild rice, and the creamy broth that ties it all together. Here’s why they’re the perfect match and some tips for picking the best versions.

Flat lay of two whole uncracked brown chicken breasts, a small mound of wild rice grains, two sliced celery stalks, two sliced bright orange carrots, one chopped yellow onion, one whole garlic clove, three fresh thyme sprigs, one fresh bay leaf, a few fresh green spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of flour, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, placed 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: Essential for sautéing veggies and making the roux; opt for unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
Celery, Carrots, Onion: The classic soup trio adds depth and a subtle sweetness when cooked low and slow.
Garlic: Brings a gentle punch that complements the creamy soup without overpowering it.
Fresh Thyme or Dried Thyme: Thyme’s earthy notes lift the flavor subtly and pair beautifully with chicken.
Bay Leaf: Adds a background layer of aroma that makes the broth taste richer.
Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, they shred nicely for that perfect bite-sized chicken in each spoonful.
Wild Rice: Not just fancy—it’s nutty, chewy, and adds a lovely texture contrast to the creamy soup. Can substitute with long grain rice if needed.
Chicken Stock: Use a good quality stock—homemade or store-bought works—as it’s the base of your soup’s flavor.
Double/Heavy Cream: Adds indulgence and soft, silky texture; you can adjust the amount to your liking.
Flour: Combined with melted butter to make the roux, which thickens the soup perfectly.
Fresh Spinach: Optional green boost that adds a fresh bite and vibrant color when stirred in at the end.

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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 love how adaptable the Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is. I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or the season. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the chicken breasts for thighs—they stay extra juicy and add richness to the soup.
Dairy-Free Option: You can use coconut milk or a creamy plant-based substitute instead of heavy cream, which works surprisingly well.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in mushrooms or peas in the last few minutes for added texture.
Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne or a dash of smoked paprika brings a subtle kick that livens up this otherwise mild soup.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Sofrito of Flavors

Start by melting butter over low heat—patience is key here because you’re gently softening celery, carrots, and onion to coax out their natural sweetness. Cook them for 5–7 minutes until they’re tender but not browned. Add minced garlic and thyme, and let that fragrance fill your kitchen for about 30 seconds without burning the garlic.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken stock, add the bay leaf, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Nestle in your chicken breasts and wild rice. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to gently simmer for 45 minutes. During this time, the rice softens and the chicken cooks through perfectly.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Add Creaminess

Carefully fish out the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks—no fancy gadgets needed. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. This is where the soup starts to feel like a warm, velvety bowl of comfort.

Step 4: Make it Lush with a Roux

In a separate bowl, combine melted butter and flour to make a roux, then whisk it into the soup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer a few minutes until thickened to your desired consistency. Stir in fresh spinach at the end for a bright pop of green and subtle freshness. Season again with salt and pepper to taste, then it’s ready to enjoy!

Top Tip

I’ve made this soup dozens of times and learned that those little details turn a good soup into a memorable one. Here are a few nuggets from my kitchen to yours, to help you nail this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe every time.

Low and Slow Sauté: Cook the veggies gently over low heat to avoid browning and keep that subtle sweetness—it makes a big difference in flavor depth.
Simmering Patience: Wild rice takes time to soften, so don’t rush the simmer—if you speed this up, you risk chewy rice and undercooked chicken.
Roux Magic: Be sure to whisk the roux well before adding it to the soup to avoid lumps and get smooth, luscious results.
Season Last: After the cream and roux are added, taste and adjust salt and pepper—you often need less than you think.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Chicken Wild Rice Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few fresh thyme leaves for an herbal burst. Sometimes a tiny swirl of cream on top just adds a nice touch and makes it inviting to dive in.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to go with this soup are crusty bread or warm garlic knots for dunking. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds balance to the creamy richness without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the soup in mini bread bowls—everyone loves a fun, edible bowl to scoop from! Another time, I ladled it over rice pilaf on a pretty plate for a more elegant presentation that wowed guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and it stays fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen, which is a nice bonus the next day!

Freezing

This soup freezes well—just cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. I’ve found that freezing slightly dilutes the creaminess, so I usually add a splash of fresh cream when reheating to bring back that luscious texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. Adding a little extra stock or cream helps loosen it up if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it may have a slightly different texture and will likely take a bit longer to cook. Adjust the simmering time accordingly, and ensure the rice is tender before finishing the soup.

Is this soup suitable for making ahead for a party?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving. Consider adding fresh spinach just before serving for the best texture.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or any creamy plant-based milk like cashew or oat milk. Just be aware that it will alter the flavor slightly but still yield a delicious and creamy soup.

How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?

If your soup turns out thinner than you'd like, whisk in a bit more roux (butter mixed with flour) gradually until it reaches the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can simmer it a little longer to reduce and thicken the broth naturally.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s simple but feels indulgent enough to serve anytime. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself after a long day, it delivers that feel-good warm hug in a bowl. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it becomes one of your favorite cozy go-tos, too.