¾cupwild ricecooked according to package directions
½cupbutter
½cuponionfinely chopped
½cupcarrotsdiced or shredded
½cupcelery stalksdiced
3clovesgarlicminced
1teaspoondried thyme
½teaspoondried rosemary
½teaspoondried sage
½teaspoonsaltadjust to taste
¼teaspoonblack pepperadjust to taste
½cupall-purpose flour
6cupschicken broth
2cupshalf-and-half
2cupscooked chickendiced or shredded
2bay leaves
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
In a separate pot, cook the wild rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside.
In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add the garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, salt, and black pepper to the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine and let the herbs release their aroma for about 1 minute.
In the same pot, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the roux is lightly golden.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the half-and-half. Continue to stir until the mixture slightly thickens.
Stir in the cooked chicken, cooked wild rice and bay leaves. Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
Ladle the creamy chicken and wild rice soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Cooking the wild rice separately helps control its texture and prevents it from becoming too mushy in the soup. Follow the package instructions for cooking.
- Save time by using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. You can also cook and shred chicken breasts in advance.
- If the soup becomes too thick, you can thin it with a bit more chicken broth or water. Conversely, if it's too thin, you can let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.