Quick Chicken Wild Rice

Featured in: Everyday Comfort Dishes

This hearty dish combines shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of sautéed vegetables simmered in a savory broth infused with thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. The mix creates a rich and warming bowl, perfect for any night. Optional cream adds a delicate silkiness, while fresh parsley garnish brightens each spoonful, offering comfort and flavor in every bite.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:40:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, garnished with vibrant parsley, perfect for a cozy dinner. Pin Recipe
A steaming bowl of Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, garnished with vibrant parsley, perfect for a cozy dinner. | fordishes.com

A comforting, hearty soup featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth—perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.

Leftover rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe

Ingredients

  • Proteins: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • Grains: 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend
  • Vegetables: 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • Vegetables: 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • Vegetables: 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • Vegetables: 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Liquids: 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • Dairy (optional): 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half (optional, for a creamy version)
  • Herbs & Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Herbs & Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Herbs & Seasonings: 1 bay leaf
  • Herbs & Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Herbs & Seasonings: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Heat olive oil:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat Add onion, carrots, and celery Sauté for 4 5 minutes until vegetables are softened
Stir in garlic:
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
Add wild rice blend and broth:
Add wild rice blend, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer Cover and cook for 20 25 minutes, or until rice is tender
Simmer chicken:
Stir in cooked chicken and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until heated through
Add cream (optional):
(Optional) For a creamy soup, add the heavy cream or half and half and heat gently without boiling
Season soup:
Season with salt and pepper to taste Remove bay leaf
Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot
Pin Recipe
| fordishes.com

This soup has been a favorite at family dinners, warming us on cool evenings and bringing everyone to the table

Required Tools

Large soup pot, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon, ladle

Allergen Information

Contains Dairy (if using cream or half and half) Naturally gluten free ensure broth and other packaged ingredients are gluten free if sensitive

Nutritional Information

Calories 320 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 29 g Protein 26 g

Creamy Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with tender chicken and fluffy wild rice, a warm, satisfying American classic. Pin Recipe
Creamy Quick Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with tender chicken and fluffy wild rice, a warm, satisfying American classic. | fordishes.com

This soup is both nourishing and easy to customize to your family s tastes

Recipe FAQs

What type of rice is used here?

A wild rice blend is used for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, complementing the tender chicken and vegetables.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, simply skip the optional cream or half-and-half to keep it dairy-free without losing flavor.

How long should the wild rice cook?

Simmer the wild rice blend for 20–25 minutes until tender but still slightly chewy.

What fresh herbs are included?

Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf infuse the broth, while chopped parsley is added as a fresh garnish.

Is leftover chicken suitable for this dish?

Yes, shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken works well, adding convenience and flavor.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely, vegetables like baby spinach can be added during the last few minutes for extra greens.

Quick Chicken Wild Rice

A cozy blend of chicken, wild rice, vegetables, and herbs in a flavorful broth.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cooking Duration
30 mins
Complete Time
45 mins
Recipe by Fordishes Ava Reynolds


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Details Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

Proteins

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

Grains

01 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend

Vegetables

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

01 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Dairy

01 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)

Herbs & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon dried thyme
02 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
03 1 bay leaf
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
05 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.

Step 02

Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Cook Rice and Broth: Add wild rice blend, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 04

Incorporate Chicken: Stir in shredded cooked chicken and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 05

Optional Cream Addition: For a creamy variation, gently stir in heavy cream or half-and-half and warm without boiling.

Step 06

Season and Finish: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf from the soup.

Step 07

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Needed Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy if cream or half-and-half is added.
  • Naturally gluten-free; verify all packaged ingredients for gluten content.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

For informational use only—doesn't replace personalized medical direction.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 26 g