The Pioneer Woman Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is everything you want on a chilly evening—warm, creamy, hearty, and packed with classic homemade flavors. With tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a rich broth, this comforting soup feels like a warm hug in every spoonful. It’s filling enough to enjoy as a full meal and nutritious enough for anyone looking for a wholesome dish.
The flavor is a beautiful blend of earthy wild rice, sautéed vegetables, and gentle herbs simmered together in a creamy base. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a cozy holiday starter, this chicken and wild rice soup recipe never disappoints.
A Quick Look at Pioneer Woman Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This delicious soup combines shredded chicken, cooked wild rice, carrots, celery, garlic, and onions, all simmered slowly in a creamy broth. The wild rice adds a chewy, nutty texture, while the cream gives the soup its signature smoothness. Pair it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a bowl of perfect comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Comforting & Cozy – A warm, creamy chicken soup perfect for cold days.
- Nutritious – Packed with protein, vegetables, and whole-grain wild rice.
- Great for Meal Prep – It tastes even better the next day.
- Kid-Friendly – Mild flavors and creamy texture make it a family favorite.
- Freezer-Friendly – Easy to cook in bulk and freeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice (or wild rice blend)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
These simple pantry staples come together beautifully to create the classic Pioneer Woman Chicken and Wild Rice Soup flavor.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat oil or butter in a large pot, then add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add Chicken and Rice
Place chicken breasts, wild rice, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the pot.
3. Pour in the Broth
Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes until the rice softens and the chicken cooks through.
4. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and stir it back into the pot.
5. Make It Creamy
Add the heavy cream.
For a thicker soup, whisk flour with a small amount of cream before adding. Let the soup simmer for 5–10 more minutes.
6. Serve Hot
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with bread or rolls.
What Went Wrong (and How to Fix It)
Even simple recipes can run into issues. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Rice Too Firm – Wild rice takes time, so make sure it’s fully cooked before serving.
- Soup Too Thin – A flour or cornstarch slurry thickens it perfectly.
- Overly Rich – If the soup tastes too heavy, use half cream and half broth.
Creative Ways to Enjoy This Wild Rice Soup
- With a Sandwich – Try grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches.
- As a Freezer Meal – Freeze in single-serve portions for easy lunches.
- Add More Veggies – Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini work wonderfully.
- In a Bread Bowl – A fun, restaurant-style touch.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Let the wild rice fully soften for the best texture.
- Chicken thighs add extra tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t skip herbs—thyme and parsley create depth.
- Add cream at the end to prevent curdling.
- This soup tastes amazing the next day, so make extra.
- Stir often to keep the rice from sticking.
Tasty Variations to Try
- Dairy-Free – Substitute coconut milk or almond milk.
- Spicy Version – Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Twist – Stir in cheddar or Parmesan.
- Lemon Herb Style – Add fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Vegetarian Option – Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
How to Store Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Refrigerator – Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Freeze for up to 3 months (preferably before adding cream).
- Reheating – Warm gently over medium heat to avoid curdling.
How to Reheat the Soup
- Stovetop: Heat over medium, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Warm in 1-minute intervals, stir between each cycle.
- From Frozen: Thaw overnight, then reheat with a splash of broth.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~340
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does chicken and wild rice soup last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can you freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, add the cream after reheating.
How do you thicken wild rice soup?
A simple flour or cornstarch slurry works perfectly.
What pairs well with this soup?
Crusty bread, cornbread, salad, or a cozy bread bowl.
Final Thoughts
The Pioneer Woman Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and packed with nourishing ingredients. Once you try it, this soup will become a regular favorite in your kitchen, especially during the cold winter months.
Also Read: Pioneer Woman Homemade Cream of Anything Soup Recipe
