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!