Chunky Chicken Wild Rice

Featured in: Hearty Soups & Stews

This hearty dish features tender chunks of chicken and nutty wild rice simmered with a mix of carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms. The broth is seasoned with thyme, parsley, and black pepper, creating a comforting, flavorful experience perfect for cooler days. Optional cream adds richness, while fresh parsley garnish brightens the finish. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and gentle simmering, this dish satisfies with wholesome, robust flavors.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:54:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Chunky Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, brimming with fresh vegetables.  Save
A steaming bowl of Chunky Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, brimming with fresh vegetables. | pumpkinhearth.com

A hearty comforting soup featuring tender chicken nutty wild rice and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth—perfect for chilly days.

This soup quickly became a family favorite during colder months as it warms you up from the inside.

Ingredients

  • Meats: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g) diced
  • Rice: 1 cup (170 g) wild rice rinsed
  • Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion diced 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced 2 celery stalks sliced 3 cloves garlic minced 1 cup (150 g) cremini or white mushrooms sliced
  • Broth & Liquids: 8 cups (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • Spices & Herbs: 1 bay leaf 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried parsley ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • Creamy Finish (optional): ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large pot or Dutch oven heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat Add diced chicken and cook until just browned about 4-5 minutes Remove and set aside
Step 2:
In the same pot add onion carrots celery and mushrooms Sauté until vegetables are softened about 6-7 minutes Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more
Step 3:
Stir in wild rice chicken broth water bay leaf thyme parsley salt and pepper Bring to a boil
Step 4:
Reduce heat to low cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until wild rice is tender
Step 5:
Return the browned chicken to the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through
Step 6:
For a creamy soup stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and heat gently for 2-3 minutes (do not boil)
Step 7:
Remove bay leaf Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
Step 8:
Ladle into bowls garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot
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This soup often brings the family together as we share stories over warm bowls on cold evenings

Notes

For extra flavor add a Parmesan rind during simmering (remove before serving) Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version add it in step 5 Wild rice can be replaced with a wild rice blend if preferred For dairy-free omit the cream

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven Chefs knife Cutting board Ladle

Nutritional Information

Calories 290 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 26 g

Flavorful Chunky Chicken and Wild Rice Soup topped with vibrant parsley for extra freshness.  Save
Flavorful Chunky Chicken and Wild Rice Soup topped with vibrant parsley for extra freshness. | pumpkinhearth.com

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors with your loved ones

Recipe Q&A

What type of rice is used in this dish?

Wild rice is used for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, adding depth to the dish.

Can I substitute the chicken breasts with other cuts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Is the creamy finish necessary?

No, the creamy addition is optional. It adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter option.

How long should the wild rice simmer?

The wild rice simmers about 35-40 minutes until tender, absorbing broth flavors fully.

Can I prepare this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply leave out the cream or replace it with a non-dairy alternative to keep it dairy-free.

Chunky Chicken Wild Rice

A savory blend of chicken, wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a warm broth.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
50 min
Time required
70 min
Created by Sarah Coleman


Skill required Easy

Cuisine origin American

Portions 6 Serves

Dietary info Free from gluten

What you'll need

Meats

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (approximately 14 oz)

Rice

01 1 cup wild rice, rinsed (6 oz)

Vegetables

01 1 medium yellow onion, diced
02 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 cup sliced cremini or white mushrooms (5.3 oz)

Broth & Liquids

01 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (64 fl oz)
02 1 cup water (8 fl oz)

Spices & Herbs

01 1 bay leaf
02 1 tsp dried thyme
03 1 tsp dried parsley
04 ½ tsp black pepper
05 1 tsp salt or to taste

Creamy Finish (optional)

01 ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (4 fl oz)

Garnish

01 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 01

Brown the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 02

Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté until softened, approximately 6 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 03

Combine rice and liquids: Add wild rice, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil.

Step 04

Simmer wild rice: Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender.

Step 05

Cook chicken through: Return the browned chicken to the pot and continue simmering for another 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 06

Add creamy finish (optional): If desired, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Heat gently for 2 to 3 minutes without boiling.

Step 07

Finalize and serve: Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning to taste. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Gear Needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Allergy warning

Read over each ingredient for allergies and check with your doctor when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy if cream is used.
  • Check broth labels for potential gluten and other allergens.

Nutrition details per portion

This is for reference only. Contact your healthcare provider about any concerns.
  • Calorie count: 290
  • Fat content: 8 g
  • Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Proteins: 26 g