Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: A Comforting Winter Warmer

Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: A Comforting Winter Warmer

Looking for a cozy meal to keep you warm during the colder months? This Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the perfect choice. Packed with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of vegetables, it’s a nourishing dish that offers robust flavors in every spoonful. This soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or lazy Sundays.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 stalks celery, diced
– 3 carrots, diced
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie chicken)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamier soup)
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

2. Add the chicken broth to the pot. Stir in the rinsed wild rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

3. Add the cooked shredded chicken to the pot. Season with dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream and heat through for another 5 minutes, but do not bring it to a boil.

5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side. Enjoy this comforting, hearty soup as a perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out!