This hearty and comforting soup is a gluten-free twist on a classic favorite, perfect for chilly days or cozy gatherings. Packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a medley of vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 7 cups quality chicken bone broth, divided
• 8 oz mushrooms, chopped
• 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon or Better Than Bouillon
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 3 cups cooked wild rice blend
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• ¼ cup butter, cut into pieces
• 2½ tablespoons cornstarch, fully dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup half and half

Directions

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot, combine 6 cups of chicken broth, mushrooms, onion, celery, carrots, bouillon, black pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the fully dissolved cornstarch mixture until smooth. Pour this mixture into the soup, stirring to combine. Bring the soup back to a boil and stir for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Carefully whisk in the half and half and the remaining 1 cup of broth.
4. Gently add the cooked wild rice blend and shredded chicken to the soup. Simmer just until heated through, then remove from heat to prevent the rice from breaking down.
5. Serve hot, accompanied by gluten-free bread or crackers if desired.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 383 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 52.9 g
• Protein: 24.8 g
• Fat: 8.8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
• Cholesterol: 61.5 mg
• Sodium: 716.4 mg
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 6 g

What Makes Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Special

At the heart of this soup is the combination of chicken, wild rice, and a creamy broth, which brings together both texture and flavor. The wild rice provides a satisfying chewiness, the chicken offers lean protein, and the creamy base adds richness that makes every bite comforting and filling. The choice of using chicken bone broth as the base gives the soup a deeper, more robust flavor profile compared to regular chicken broth, making it a more flavorful and nourishing option.

This soup is also customizable, allowing you to add different vegetables like spinach or kale, or even adjust the seasonings to your liking. It is adaptable to what you have in your pantry, making it a perfect choice for any season.

Health Benefits of Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This soup is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. It’s a well-rounded dish that contains key nutrients necessary for a balanced diet. Wild rice, often considered a superfood, is higher in fiber than many other types of rice. This fiber content aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Additionally, wild rice is a good source of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and inflammation in the body.

Chicken, a lean protein, provides essential amino acids that support muscle repair and overall body function. The protein content in this soup can also help keep you feeling fuller for longer, making it an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. The addition of mushrooms brings in additional vitamins, such as B vitamins, which are important for energy production and overall health.

Using chicken bone broth in the recipe also enhances the soup’s health benefits. Bone broth is known for its collagen content, which supports joint health, skin elasticity, and digestive function. It’s also rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which help maintain strong bones and overall well-being.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options

For individuals following gluten-free or dairy-free diets, this soup is easily adaptable. By choosing gluten-free wild rice and ensuring that all ingredients are gluten-free, you can enjoy a meal that meets your dietary restrictions. Additionally, you can swap the dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives. For instance, coconut milk or almond milk can replace the half and half, offering a creamy texture without any dairy. This flexibility makes the soup suitable for people with various food sensitivities and preferences.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup can be served as a main dish or as part of a larger meal. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a great option for any occasion. For a more filling meal, consider serving it with gluten-free bread, a fresh salad, or a side of roasted vegetables. If you are looking for something lighter, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly.

If you’re hosting a casual gathering or preparing a comforting dinner for your family, this soup can be a crowd-pleaser. Its warm, inviting flavors create a homey atmosphere, and its smooth, velvety texture ensures that every spoonful is a treat. It’s an excellent choice for a cozy winter evening, but it also works well during transitional seasons when you want something hearty but not too heavy.

Customizing Your Soup

One of the most attractive features of this soup is how easily it can be customized to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. You can add or substitute various vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutritional value. For instance, you could add leeks, kale, or spinach to increase the vegetable content and create an even more vibrant soup. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or parsnips are other excellent additions that would add natural sweetness and further enrich the soup.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is ideal for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator and even freezes beautifully for later use. After cooking, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you’d like to store it for longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Recipe

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The warm, comforting flavors provide the perfect balance of richness and heartiness, while the health benefits of the ingredients ensure that you’re nourishing your body with every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or as part of a meal prep strategy, this soup is versatile, filling, and easy to make.