The Coziest Comfort in a Bowl

As a Minnesotan, I can tell you that chicken and wild rice soup is practically an institution around these parts. It’s the culinary embodiment of a warm, snuggly sweater on a blustery winter day. And let me tell you, this easy recipe is about to become your new favorite way to enjoy that iconic flavor.

I’m a self-proclaimed soup connoisseur, and this chicken and wild rice soup is one of my all-time go-to’s. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with so much comforting flavor from the chicken, vegetables, and wild rice. And the best part? You can have it on the table in under an hour, with just a handful of simple ingredients.

Natalya from Momsdish describes this soup as “a comfy sweater in a bowl,” and I couldn’t agree more. There’s something so soothing and satisfying about diving into a steaming hot bowl of this goodness on a chilly day. It’s the kind of meal that just wraps you up in a hug and makes you never want to leave.

Shortcuts for a Super-Simple Soup

Now, I know what you’re thinking – chicken and wild rice soup sounds like it would be a pretty labor-intensive dish, right? Well, think again! This recipe is all about taking some simple shortcuts to make the whole process a breeze.

For starters, you can use a rotisserie chicken to skip the step of cooking the chicken from raw. Just shred it up and toss it right into the pot. Natalya suggests that this is a great way to use up any leftover rotisserie chicken you have hanging around.

And when it comes to the wild rice, you can find pre-cooked blends that make this soup come together in a flash. Lindsay from Pinch of Yum recommends the Trader Joe’s wild rice blend, but you can find similar options at most grocery stores.

With those two key shortcuts, all you have to do is sauté up some veggies, whip up a quick rice flour slurry to thicken the broth, and let it all simmer together. Before you know it, you’ll have a steaming hot bowl of comfort food that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Elevating the Classics

Now, I know what you’re thinking – chicken and wild rice soup is a classic, so how much can you really do to elevate it? Well, let me tell you, there are a few tricks up my sleeve that can take this dish to the next level.

First and foremost, I’m a firm believer in the power of a good seasoning blend. While the wild rice and chicken are the stars of the show, a strategic mix of herbs and spices can really make the flavors sing. I like to go for a poultry seasoning blend that includes things like thyme, sage, and rosemary – it just adds that perfect je ne sais quoi.

And speaking of the wild rice, I love to mix it up by using a blend of different varieties. The Trader Joe’s bag that Lindsay recommends has a great mix of long-grain and short-grain wild rice that adds so much texture and depth of flavor.

Finally, I can’t resist the temptation to add a touch of brightness and acidity to balance out all that creamy richness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end does the trick perfectly, cutting through the dairy and adding a refreshing zing.

A Soup for All Seasons

Now, you might be thinking, “Chicken and wild rice soup? Isn’t that more of a winter comfort food?” And to that, I say – think again! This versatile dish is the perfect meal for any time of year.

Sure, it’s the ultimate cold-weather cozy food, but with a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy it all year round. In the warmer months, you can lighten it up by using less cream and swapping out the heartier veggies for fresh, seasonal produce like zucchini, corn, or even kale.

And let’s not forget about the meal-prep potential of this recipe. Natalya from Momsdish raves that this soup “gets better as the flavors mellow,” so it’s the perfect dish to make in big batches and enjoy all week long. Just portion it out into individual servings and you’ve got a delicious, nutritious lunch or dinner ready to go at a moment’s notice.

So whether you’re craving comfort on a cold winter night or looking for a wholesome, make-ahead meal, this easy chicken and wild rice soup is the answer. And the best part? You can whip it up in a snap, with just a handful of simple ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that’s sure to become a new staple in your household – just like it has in mine.

Now, who’s ready to cozy up with a big, steaming bowl of this goodness? I know I sure am! Let’s head to the kitchen and get cooking. After all, home cooking rocks, and this soup is the proof.