Storage & Serving Suggestions
How to Store
Let the soup cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor becomes even better after resting overnight.
How to Freeze
You can freeze this soup, but creamy soups may change texture slightly after thawing. For the best result, freeze the soup before adding the cream, then stir in the cream after reheating.
How to Reheat
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened. Stir often and avoid boiling once the cream is added.
What to Serve With It
Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, biscuits, cornbread, roasted vegetables, a green salad, or a fall apple salad. For a cozy dinner, pair it with warm bread and a simple dessert like apple crisp or pumpkin muffins.
Recipe Card: Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup for Fall Dinners
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms, optional
- Fresh parsley for serving, optional
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken broth, wild rice, and chicken. Stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Whisk flour with heavy cream or half-and-half until smooth.
- Slowly stir the cream mixture into the soup and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until thickened.
- Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve warm with parsley if desired.
Notes
Wild rice absorbs liquid as it sits, so add extra broth when reheating leftovers. For a thicker soup, simmer a few extra minutes after adding the cream mixture. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Final Bite
This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup for Fall Dinners is cozy, hearty, and full of comforting flavor. It is simple enough for a weeknight, special enough for a slow Sunday dinner, and practical enough for meal prep.
If you try it, leave a comment with your favorite fall soup side. You can serve this with crusty bread, biscuits, roasted vegetables, apple salad, or a cozy fall dessert for the perfect chilly-night dinner.
