Indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with our Creamy Smoked Chicken and Wild Rice Soup! This delightful American classic combines the rich flavors of tender smoked chicken and nutty wild rice, creating a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With just 15 minutes of prep and an hour of cooking, you’ll be savoring each spoonful of this creamy delight in no time. Ready to elevate your soup game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups smoked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of shredded smoked chicken, 1 cup of wild rice, 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced stalks of celery, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the wild rice to the pot and stir it in with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to toast the rice slightly, enhancing its flavor.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and cooked through.
- Once the wild rice is cooked, add the shredded smoked chicken to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the chicken into the soup.
- Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously to blend it into the soup. Allow the soup to heat through for an additional 5-10 minutes, but do not let it boil.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Once the soup is heated through and well-seasoned, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the creamy smoked chicken and wild rice soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality smoked chicken. If you have the time, consider smoking your own chicken for an extra layer of taste.
- Wild Rice Cooking: Wild rice can take longer to cook than regular rice, so keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time if necessary. You want it tender but not mushy.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onions, carrots, and celery until they're soft brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Creamy Texture: For an even creamier soup, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream along with the heavy cream.
- Season Gradually: When adding salt and pepper, do so gradually and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect balance without overpowering the soup.
- Garnish for Freshness: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make a lovely garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness to your soup before serving.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- Freezing Tips: If you want to freeze leftovers, consider omitting the cream until you reheat it later. This helps maintain the soup's texture and flavor. Enjoy crafting this delicious soup that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
