On a cold day, few things are as satisfying as a steaming bowl of creamy chicken wild rice soup.

I first tried making it when I was craving something warm and filling but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

The result was a delicious surprise—tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a smooth, rich broth that just hits the spot.

Each bite was exactly what I needed to feel nourished and cozy, and it quickly became a favorite in my recipe rotation.

What I love most about this soup is how simple it is to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills—just a handful of staples you probably already have on hand.

Yet the flavors come together so perfectly that it feels like you’ve spent much more time on it than you really have.

Whether you’re feeding your family, treating yourself to a cozy meal, or looking to make something that’ll impress, this creamy chicken wild rice soup is always a winner.

It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel good, inside and out.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼-½ cup white grape juice
• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 7-8 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1-2 sprigs thyme
• 3½-4 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken (about 1-1½ lbs cooked chicken breast)
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil or butter. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside (you can leave them in the pot if you prefer).
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly browned.
4. Pour in the white grape juice (or skip this step) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the wild rice, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the soup to a boil, then cover and lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
6. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the rice is tender. If using raw chicken, simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, then remove and shred.
7. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version) and the cooked mushrooms. Simmer for a couple more minutes until everything is heated through.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread.

Tips For Perfecting Your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Want to make your creamy chicken wild rice soup even better? Here are some simple yet effective tips to ensure it turns out just right:

• Fresh ingredients are key: Using fresh vegetables and quality chicken makes a huge difference in flavor. It’s worth the extra effort.
• Don’t skip the deglazing: After adding grape juice or wine, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot. This will release all those tasty caramelized bits, giving your soup richer flavor.
• Simmer slowly: Allowing your soup to simmer on low heat will help the rice cook evenly and the flavors blend together.
• Adjust the texture: If you find the soup too thick, simply add more broth or stock to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
• Add cream last: Stir the heavy cream in towards the end of cooking to avoid curdling and to keep the soup nice and creamy.

Variations For Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Feeling creative? Here are a few fun variations to mix things up and make the soup your own:

• Switch the rice: Wild rice is traditional, but you can swap it with brown rice or quinoa for a different texture.
• Sneak in some greens: Add spinach, kale, or any leafy green of your choice for an extra boost of nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Want some heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce will give your soup a flavorful kick.
• Change up the protein: You can use turkey instead of chicken or try sausage for a heartier option.
• Go dairy-free: Swap the cream for coconut cream or almond milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free version.

What To Serve With Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

Looking for the perfect side to go with your soup? These options will complement the rich flavors of your creamy chicken wild rice soup:

• Freshly baked bread (perfect for dipping)
• A crisp green salad for balance
• Soft dinner rolls to soak up the soup
• Garlic bread for an added burst of flavor
• Roasted vegetables for a hearty touch
• Crunchy crackers for a little extra texture

How To Store Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store your soup so you can enjoy it later:

• In the fridge: Store your soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It makes for a great meal prep option!
• In the freezer: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheat gently: When you’re ready to eat, reheat the soup slowly on low heat to prevent the cream from separating. You may need to add a little broth or water if it’s too thick.

How To Thicken Wild Rice Soup For A Creamy Texture?

Sometimes, your wild rice soup might turn out a bit too thin. If you’re aiming for a thicker, creamier texture, here are some easy and effective methods to achieve that:

• Use a slurry: Mix equal parts flour (or cornstarch) with cold water to create a paste, then stir it into your soup. Let it simmer for a few minutes, and it will naturally thicken.
• Blend a portion of the soup: Take a cup or two of your soup and blend it until smooth. Then, return it to the pot. This will give the soup a thicker, creamier texture without changing the flavor.
• Add mashed potatoes: If you have mashed potatoes on hand, add a spoonful or two to the soup. The potatoes will absorb liquid and create a creamy consistency.
• Use cream or coconut milk: Adding a bit of heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk can give your soup a thicker, richer texture while enhancing the flavor.
• Add a thickening agent: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, xanthan gum is a good choice. A small pinch will thicken the soup without altering the taste.