If you are tired of eating bland chicken soup, this brain-healthy recipe will change your life. Packed with tender and juicy chicken, tons of fresh veggies such as carrots, celery, bell pepper and spinach, it’s a bowl of goodness for cold and snowy days.
And you won’t believe the secret ingredient that makes this chicken soup recipe so amazing. What do you think it is?
Your Guide For This Wild Rice Chicken Soup
- Benefits For The Brain
- How To Make This Recipe
- Watch The Recipe Video
- Boost The Nutrition Of This Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
My love for soups is reflected in this recipe, which has everything I look for in a soup. It’s comforting, flavorful, rich in nutrients and easy to prepare. Bonus points: my family loves it.
I can’t wait for you to experience this delicious soup!
Comforting Wild Rice Chicken Soup – Benefits For The Brain
I love to use spinach in a lot of my dishes because it protects brain cells with antioxidants, iron, magnesium, folate and vitamin K. Spinach is such an amazing ingredient!
Carrots carry antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are not just great for the eyes, but also amazing for boosting brain function.
Packed with protein, antioxidants, fiber, B vitamins and essential minerals, wild rice plays a crucial role in supporting brain health. Its nutty flavor and versatility make it a nutritious addition to a well-balanced diet. Bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free.
How To Make This Wild Rice Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1
In a small pot, boil the wild rice in 4 cups of water over medium heat for approximately 40 minutes until the rice is tender, but still chewy in a good way. Rinse and drain the liquid, if any.
Step 2
While the rice is boiling, chop all the veggies (garlic, onion, celery and carrots).
Saute the onion and garlic in avocado oil for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Step 3
Add the rest of the veggies (celery, carrots and bell pepper) and give it a good stir.
Step 4
Add sea salt, chicken and 6 cups of water.
Bring everything to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes until the veggies and the chicken are cooked.
Step 5
Add the fresh spinach to the soup and let everything simmer for 5 more minutes.
Step 6
Remove the meat from the bone, cut it into bite-sized pieces and place it back in the soup.
Step 7
Add the cooked, drained and rinsed wild rice to the soup.
Step 8
Taste and add more sea salt if needed. If you’d like to add a bit of heat, you can add chili flakes or serve the soup with chopped jalapeno.
Storing, freezing and reheating tips
Store
Store the wild rice chicken soup in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You could first divide it into smaller portions for easier reheating.
Freeze
Consider dividing the soup into smaller portions before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only the amount you need. Freeze in clearly labeled and freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat
Reheat this soup on the stove or in the microwave.
Watch how to make it step-by-step!
How To Boost The Nutrition Of This Comforting Wild Rice Chicken Soup
Here’s a pro tip: if you’d like to add an extra layer of depth to the soup, roast the veggies before adding them to the pot. It brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delightful caramelized flavor.
I prefer bone-in thighs for this soup instead of chicken breast. They are budget-friendly and also have more collagen and fat, leading to juicier meat and a richer and more flavorful soup.
Comforting Wild Rice Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch, Main
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This chicken wild rice soup is a harmonious blend of simple ingredients, creating a comforting and flavorful dish. With a rich broth, tender chicken and nutty wild rice, each spoonful gives warmth and satisfaction. It’s such a homemade cozy delight!
Ingredients
1 cup wild rice (see notes)
4 cups water
2 tablespoons avocado oil
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 big onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
1 big yellow bell pepper
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 and 1/2 lb chicken (breast or bone-in thighs)
6 cups water
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Garnish – chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
-
Rinse and drain the wild rice.
-
In a small pot, boil the wild rice in 4 cups of water over medium heat for approximately 40 minutes until the rice is tender, but still chewy in a good way. Rinse and drain the liquid, if any.
-
While the rice is boiling, chop all the veggies (garlic, onion, celery and carrots).
-
Saute the onion and garlic in avocado oil for 5 minutes, stirring often.
-
Add the rest of the veggies (celery, carrots and bell pepper), sea salt, chicken and 6 cups of water.
-
Bring everything to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes until the veggies and the chicken are cooked.
-
Add the fresh spinach to the soup and let everything simmer for 5 more minutes.
-
Remove the meat from the bone, cut it into bite-sized pieces and place it back in the soup.
-
Add the cooked, drained and rinsed wild rice to the soup.
-
Taste and add more sea salt if needed. If you’d like to add a bit of heat, you can add chili flakes or serve the soup with chopped jalapeno.
-
Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley.
Enjoy!
Notes
Do not use a wild rice blend for this recipe unless you are comfortable changing the rice-water ratio and the rice cooking time.
An important note here: boiling the wild rice separately is key. If cooked with the soup, it tends to turn everything into a less-than-appetizing purple-black color.
Frequently Asked Questions For Wild Rice Chicken Soup
Is this chicken wild rice soup gluten-free?
Yes it is.
Can I freeze chicken wild rice soup?
Yes, chicken wild rice soup can be frozen. See above in the Storing, Freezing and Reheating section for tips on how to do this.
How long does the soup last in the refrigerator?
Typically, it’s best to consume refrigerated chicken wild rice soup within 3 days. Beyond that, the quality may decline and there is a risk of bacterial growth.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for the soup?
Absolutely. Leftover cooked chicken can be a convenient ingredient for chicken wild rice soup. Simply shred or chop the chicken and add it during the final stages of cooking or reheating.
Is there a vegan or vegetarian version of chicken wild rice soup?
Yes, you can make a vegan or vegetarian version by substituting chicken with vegetable broth and adding plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, chickpeas or quinoa.
Can I make chicken rice soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, chicken wild rice soup can be adapted for a slow cooker. Combine the ingredients, set it to cook, and let it simmer for a few hours for a convenient and flavorful meal.
What sides go well with this soup?
Common sides include crusty bread, dinner rolls or a side salad. These options complement the soup and offer a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
What To Cook Next
If you are ready to make another nourishing, brothy and brain-healthy soup, check out this mouth-watering sausage and cabbage soup recipe. If you love cabbage, this is the perfect recipe for you.
