Nothing quite beats the feeling of a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day. This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is exactly that—rich, hearty, and filled with tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and fresh veggies that cozy up your soul with every spoonful.

A close-up of a creamy white soup served in a white speckled bowl, filled with layers of soft white chicken pieces, orange carrot slices, dark wild rice grains, bright green spinach leaves and celery chunks, all mixed in a thick creamy broth. A small green herb sprig sits on top as garnish, and a silver spoon is partially dipped into the soup on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft blurred background. 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

I’ve made this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe more times than I can count, especially during cooler months, and it never fails to impress my family and friends. It’s so satisfying without being heavy, and the flavors meld together beautifully with just the right touch of creaminess.

Wholesome Ingredients: Loaded with fresh veggies and tender chicken for a nourishing bowl that feels like a warm hug.
Perfect Texture: The wild rice adds a lovely chewy bite that makes every spoonful interesting and satisfying.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients you probably already have on hand, it’s a reliable meal anytime.
Customizable Comfort: You can tweak the creaminess or swap veggies to suit what you like or have in the kitchen.

A close-up view of a creamy soup filled with layers of orange carrot slices, dark wild rice grains, and bright green spinach leaves, all mixed in a thick, pale yellow broth. Small chunks of light beige chicken are visible, resting gently on top and throughout the soup, which has a smooth and rich texture. The soup is served against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference. I love how this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe balances fresh vegetables, creamy richness, and the earthiness of wild rice to build layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll want to grab next time you’re in the grocery store.

Flat lay of fresh whole chicken breasts, a small pile of wild rice grains, two stalks of sliced celery, two sliced carrots, one chopped onion, one whole uncracked garlic clove, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, one fresh bay leaf, a handful of fresh spinach leaves, two whole brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of flour, a small white ceramic bowl of double/heavy cream, and a small white ceramic bowl of chicken stock, all arranged symmetrically 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 the veggies and making the rich roux that thickens the soup just right.
Celery, Carrots & Onion: Classic flavor trio that forms the aromatic base and adds subtle sweetness and texture.
Garlic: Adds a warm, savory kick without overpowering the soup.
Fresh or Dried Thyme: Brings an earthy, slightly minty herbaceousness that complements the chicken perfectly.
Bay Leaf: Imparts a mild, herbal depth to the broth during simmering.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but important seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that cooks gently in the broth and shreds tenderly for the perfect texture.
Wild Rice: Offers a chewy texture and nutty flavor that sets this soup apart from typical chicken soups.
Chicken Stock: The heart of the soup base – I always recommend a good-quality or homemade stock for rich flavor.
Double/Heavy Cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth without feeling too heavy.
Flour: Works with melted butter to form a roux, the magic behind thickening the soup beautifully.
Fresh Spinach: Sneaks in a bit of green goodness and livens up the bowl with color and nutrients.

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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 like to switch up this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe depending on the season or what I have handy. Feel free to play around with the veggies or even the type of cream you use—a little personalization makes the soup feel like it’s truly yours.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the spinach for kale or add mushrooms for extra earthiness—it adds great depth and a nice bite.
Lower Cream: If you want a lighter version, I’ve had success using half-and-half instead of heavy cream—it still feels creamy but a little less rich.
Spice It Up: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat; it adds a lovely warmth without taking over.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor

I start by heating a tablespoon of butter in a large pot over low heat. Then in go the sliced celery, carrots, and chopped onion. Cooking them gently for 5–7 minutes softens the veggies and draws out their natural sweetness—just what you want to create a deep flavor base. Add the minced garlic and thyme once the veggies are soft and cook for another 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic; just a quick stir to release its aroma.

Step 2: Simmer the Chicken and Wild Rice

Pour in 1.5 liters of chicken stock and toss in a bay leaf, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Nestle the chicken breasts and wild rice into the pot, and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and let it cook gently for about 45 minutes. This slow simmer allows the rice to get tender without mushiness, and the chicken becomes tender enough to shred easily. Try to keep the simmer low to avoid breaking down the chicken too much and turning the soup cloudy.

Step 3: Shred Chicken & Add Creaminess

Take the chicken breasts out and shred them with two forks. It’s so satisfying to see those tender pieces fall apart—perfect for the soup texture. Return the chicken back to the pot and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and bring warmth back to the bowl.

Step 4: Make the Roux and Finish the Soup

Mix the melted butter with the flour to make a smooth roux, then stir it slowly into the soup. Bring the soup up to a gentle boil and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens just right. This step is key to getting that silky, creamy texture everyone loves. Lastly, stir in fresh spinach if you’re using it, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Then, just take it off the heat and get ready to enjoy!

Top Tip

After making this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few handy tricks that make all the difference in flavor and texture. These tips have helped me avoid common pitfalls and get a perfectly creamy, smooth soup every time.

Sauté Low and Slow: Cooking the veggies gently without browning ensures the flavors soften and meld beautifully rather than overpowering the soup.
Simmer Don’t Boil: Keeping the soup at a gentle simmer avoids breaking down the chicken and keeps the broth clear and inviting.
Roux Magic: Stir the butter and flour mixture in gradually and give it a few minutes to thicken—rushing this can cause lumps or a floury taste.
Season at the End: Adjust salt and pepper after the soup thickens to avoid over-seasoning early when flavors are still developing.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

chicken wild rice soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper. Sometimes a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely salty touch that melts slightly into the warm broth. It’s the little finish that makes each bowl feel special.

Side Dishes

For me, this soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or some homemade garlic bread for dipping. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette can also brighten up the richness, balancing the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in mini bread bowls—it's such a fun way to impress guests and adds an extra comfort factor. Sprinkling some toasted wild rice on top adds a lovely crunch and highlights the soup’s signature ingredient.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The great thing is the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day!

Freezing

Freezing creamy soups can be tricky, but I’ve had good results freezing this soup before adding the spinach and finishing the roux. Freeze in portions and add the fresh ingredients when reheating to keep the texture fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If the soup thickened too much in the fridge, just add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Add fresh spinach last, letting it wilt just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of rice in the Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While wild rice gives a nice chewy texture and nutty flavor, you can substitute with long grain white rice or brown rice. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly—adjust simmering time until the rice is tender.

Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients except cream and roux, and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream and roux near the end, stir well, and let it thicken over 15 minutes on low before serving.

Can this soup be made dairy-free?

Definitely. Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil, and swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy milk like cashew cream for richness. The soup will still be delicious and comforting.

How long does this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this soup stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before eating.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites to make when I want a nourishing, heartwarming meal that doesn’t demand too much fuss. It feels like a little bit of love in a bowl, perfect for sharing, or even just treating yourself after a busy day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, especially as the days get cooler and you want that cozy comfort food in your life.