Craving a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that’s both healthy and incredibly flavorful? Look no further! This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe takes inspiration from the deliciousness often found in Publix delis, but it's easily made at home with simple ingredients and minimal effort. It’s the perfect quick dinner idea, a healthy meal for any night of the week, and a delicious dish guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (or any mushroom you prefer!)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup wild rice blend (you can find this easily at Publix or most grocery stores)
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they start to release their moisture.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup.
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Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth, wild rice blend, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
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Blend (Optional): For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend about half of the soup. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely texture.
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Stir in Cream (Optional): If using, stir in the heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken and Wild Rice Soup:
- Don't Overcook the Rice: Wild rice can become mushy if overcooked. Follow the package directions for cooking time if you're using a different blend.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. You might want to add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It reheats beautifully.
Delicious Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest adds brightness and freshness.
- Different Grains: Substitute the wild rice blend with brown rice, quinoa, or barley for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, without cream):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This homemade chicken and wild rice soup is a testament to the fact that easy recipes can be incredibly delicious and satisfying. Enjoy this flavorful and healthy addition to your repertoire of best recipes!