Name: Creamy Wild Rice and Chicken Soup Gluten Free
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons of olive oil; 4 carrots, chopped; 3 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves of garlic, diced; 1 onion, diced; 1/2 cup wild rice; 8 cups chicken broth; 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon celery salt; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups whole milk; For Thickening: 1/4 cup of rice flour and 2 tablespoons of olive oil

As the weather grows colder, I look forward to the start of soup season. Their hearty ingredients, easy clean-up and prep, and ample left-overs soups are dear in my meal-prepping heart. Our family’s favorite soup is creamy chicken and wild rice soup this time of year. It ticks all the boxes: quick to make, tasty, affordable ingredients, and makes plenty of leftovers. This soup is also easy to adjust to your family’s dietary needs. Replace the milk with a non-dairy option, or leave out the chicken and increase the vegetable ingredients for a hearty and creamy soup recipe. Keep reading to learn how to make our favorite creamy chicken and wild rice soup recipe.

Creamy Wild Rice and Chicken Soup Gluten Free

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Warm up with a bowl of this comforting creamy chicken and wild rice soup. This hearty and flavorful dish is the perfect comfort food for cold weather. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with protein and fiber.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons of olive oil
4 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves of garlic, diced
1 onion, diced
1/2 cup wild rice
8 cups chicken broth
4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon celery salt
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups whole milk
For Thickening: 1/4 cup of rice flour and 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil to a small or medium skillet. Saute the chicken pieces until they are cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a paper towel-covered plate.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, garlic, and onion. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in wild rice, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and celery salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the rice is tender. Stir in the cooked chicken.
Make the Roux: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a separate skillet. Whisk in rice flour until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux turns golden brown.
Thicken the Soup: Gradually whisk the roux into the soup, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer for a few more minutes, or until the soup reached the desired thickness.
Add Milk and Serve: Stir in the whole milk and heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired.

Notes

Use a food processor to chop the vegetables if desired quickly.

Instead of whole milk, use whole whipping cream for a heavier base, or substitute with oat or soy milk for a dairy-free version.

Add the chicken to the soup at the same time as the rice and broth, so the chicken has time to absorb more of the flavors.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 145Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 1134mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 5g

Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.

Ready to Dive in? Here is What You Will Need for This Delicious Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Just a few ingredients

2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons of olive oil
4 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves of garlic, diced
1 onion, diced
1/2 cup wild rice
8 cups chicken broth
4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon celery salt
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups whole milk
For Thickening: 1/4 cup of rice flour and 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: In a small or medium skillet add 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil and , saute the chicken pieces until they are cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a paper towel covered plate.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, garlic, and onion. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in wild rice, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and celery salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the rice is tender. Stir in the cooked chicken.
Make the Roux: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a separate skillet. Whisk in rice flour until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux turns golden brown.
Thicken the Soup: Gradually whisk the roux into the soup, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer for a few more minutes or until the soup reaches the desired thickness.
Add Milk and Serve: Stir in the whole milk and heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired.

Additional notes:

Use a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables if desired.
Instead of whole milk, use whole whipping cream for a heavier base, or substitute with oat or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
Add the chicken to the soup at the same time as the rice and broth so the chicken has time to absorb more of the flavors.

Storing Leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

To store your leftover creamy chicken and rice soup, follow these steps:

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to storage containers.
Divide the soup into airtight containers. This helps prevent freezer burn and makes reheating easier. I like to use Souper Cubers for easy soup storage.
For short-term storage (2-3 days), store the soup in the refrigerator.
For longer-term storage, freeze the soup. Label the containers with the date.

Tips for Thawing and Reheating:

Refrigerator Thawing: This is the safest method. Place the frozen soup in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly, typically overnight.
Cold Water Thawing: Submerge the sealed container of frozen soup in a bowl of cold water. Change the water periodically to maintain a cold temperature. This method is faster than refrigerator thawing.
Refrigerated Soup: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Frozen Soup: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Wild Rice vs. White Rice: What’s the Difference?

Wild rice is less processed than white rice, and it maintains its original bran and germ that is typically removed during the processing of white rice. The flavor of wild rice is also vastly different from that os white rice. While white rice is a valuable ingredient, wild rice has a nutty flavor that blends well with fall and winter cooking.

Wild Rice Nutrient Density

Higher Protein Content: Wild rice is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids. This makes it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
More Fiber: Wild rice is higher in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Rich in Antioxidants: Wild rice contains potent antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Essential Minerals: It’s a good source of minerals like manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc

Why Add Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe to your Budget-Friendly Meal Plan

Why Add Cream Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe to your Budget-Friendly Meal Plan

AFFORDABILITY – The main ingredients are typically affordable, such as chicken, vegetables, and rice. Plus, many of the ingredients have a long shelf-life. They can be purchased on sale and stored until needed.
FRESH INGREDIENTS – Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions add vibrant colors and flavors to the soup.
VERSITILE INGREDIENTS – The recipe can be easily customized to accommodate dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
FAMILY FAVORITE- The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser. The mild flavors and easy-to-eat consistency appeal to children.
MAKE IN BULK- A large batch can be made and stored for future meals, saving time and money.
FILLING & WHOLESOME- The combination of protein, fiber, and vegetables provides a balanced and satisfying meal. A healthy addition to any meal plan.

What Are Your Favorite Winter Soup Recipes?

Adding gluten-free creamy chicken and wild rice soup to our meal plan has been a game-changer! It’s not just delicious, but it’s also a healthy and convenient option. Plus, making it in an Instant Pot saves time and energy, making it a perfect fit for our busy lives.

Gluten-Free Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe