Welcome to a culinary delight that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds! Amber's Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is not just a meal; it's a cozy embrace in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or a comforting family gathering. With tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a luscious creamy broth, this soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Ready to discover the secrets behind this creamy masterpiece? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken. Place chicken breasts in a pot of water or chicken broth and poach until fully cooked, approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove from liquid and let cool slightly before shredding with two forks.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and the onions are translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the wild rice to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the wild rice is tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, add the shredded chicken to the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to warm through without boiling, which could cause the cream to separate.
- Let the soup sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips
- Perfectly Poached Chicken: For the best flavor and tenderness, poach your chicken in chicken broth instead of water. This will infuse the meat with rich flavor that enhances the entire soup.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t rush the sautéing step! Allow the onions, carrots, and celery to soften and caramelize slightly for a deeper, more complex flavor in your soup.
- Wild Rice Cooking: Wild rice can take longer to cook than regular rice. Keep an eye on it and taste for doneness to ensure it’s tender but not mushy.
- Creamy Finish: When adding the heavy cream, do so slowly and over low heat to prevent curdling. This will keep your soup smooth and creamy.
- Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This resting period helps the flavors meld beautifully, making each spoonful even more delicious.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of black pepper not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
- Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors develop even further, making it a perfect meal prep option!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
