If you are craving a comforting dish that wraps you in warmth and flavor, look no further than this Creamy Autumn Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe. This delightful soup perfectly balances tender chicken, earthy wild rice, vibrant autumn vegetables, and a luscious creamy broth. It’s the kind of meal that not only nourishes your body but also soothes your soul with every spoonful. Whether you’re cozying up on a crisp fall evening or wanting a hearty lunch, this recipe has a special way of bringing the season’s essence right into your bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two black plastic containers placed on a white marbled surface. The top container is filled with sliced brown mushrooms, showing smooth, curved, slightly shiny surfaces in light and dark brown shades. The bottom container holds three sections of diced vegetables arranged side by side: bright orange carrot pieces on the left, light green celery chunks in the middle with a slightly translucent texture, and white onion pieces on the right, all neatly chopped into small cubes. The vegetables have a fresh and crisp appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a soup full of texture, color, and that unmistakable depth of flavor that autumn inspires. Each item plays a vital role from the tender chicken to the hearty wild rice blend, making this soup a balanced and unforgettable meal.

Olive oil: Essential for sautéing vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness and aroma.
Onion: Adds a foundational flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet once softened.
Carrot: Provides a subtle sweetness and bright orange color to brighten the soup.
Celery: Brings a delicate crunch and earthiness that balances the richness.
Sweet potato: Offers a tender texture and natural sweetness that is perfect for autumn vibes.
Minced garlic: Elevates the soup with a punch of fragrant and savory goodness.
Mushrooms: Adds a meaty texture and deep, earthy flavor that enhances every bite.
Kale: Infuses vibrant green color and a mild bitterness to contrast the creaminess.
Water: Used strategically to deglaze and keep the veggies tender without excess oil.
Thyme leaves: A herb that perfectly complements autumn flavors with its fresh, earthy notes.
Flour: Helps thicken the soup for that luscious, creamy texture.
Zoup Chicken Broth: The rich stock base that provides depth and heartiness.
Cooked chicken: Ready-to-use for a quick and satisfying protein boost.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
Cooked long grain & wild rice blend: The star grain mix that adds chewy texture and nutritious fiber.
Heavy cream: Gives the soup its signature silky, creamy richness.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Creamy Autumn Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Oil and Sauté the Base Vegetables

Start by warming olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once heated, add diced onion, carrot, celery, and sweet potato. Sauté these for about 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender and the mixture smells irresistibly sweet and savory. This forms the flavorful foundation of your soup.

Step 2: Add Water to Deglaze

After the vegetables have softened and most of the oil is absorbed, add 1/4 cup of water. This helps lift any tasty browned bits stuck to the pot and keeps the veggies from sticking or burning while keeping the mixture moist.

Step 3: Incorporate Garlic and Mushrooms

Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté these for about 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma and mushrooms start to soften, adding wonderful earthy notes that deepen the soup’s flavor.

Step 4: Toss in Kale and Thyme

Add the roughly chopped kale along with fresh thyme leaves. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the kale wilts slightly, bringing a lovely green freshness and herbal warmth that contrast beautifully with the creamy base.

Step 5: Coat Vegetables with Flour

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly over medium-low heat until the veggies are well coated. This step is crucial for thickening the soup to that desirable silky consistency that’s characteristic of this Creamy Autumn Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe.

Step 6: Add Broth and Water, Then Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and an additional cup of water, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. This introduces the savory chicken flavor and combines all your ingredients into a comforting, warming base.

Step 7: Add Chicken, Salt, and Pepper

Stir in the diced chicken along with salt and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through, infusing the broth with a rich, homemade taste.

Step 8: Stir in Cooked Rice and Cream

Finally, add the cooked long grain and wild rice blend, breaking it up gently into the soup. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes. This finishes the soup with a creamy texture and a perfect blend of hearty grains, protein, and cozy autumn flavors.

Step 9: Ready to Serve

Once your soup has reached that perfect creamy, rich consistency and all the ingredients are harmoniously combined, it’s time to ladle it into bowls and enjoy the magic of your Creamy Autumn Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe.

How to Serve Creamy Autumn Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe

The image shows a colorful mix of cooked vegetables in a pan, mainly featuring dark green leafy kale on the top layer, with bright orange carrot cubes and light green celery pieces interspersed throughout. There are also light brown mushroom slices and small white onion chunks visible among the vegetables, giving a mix of textures from soft to slightly crispy. The vegetables look hot and freshly cooked, with some steam rising, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your soup experience, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top for a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbal aroma. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra cream can also add inviting richness just before serving.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or homemade garlic knots that are perfect for dipping. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can also add a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls during fall gatherings. You can also create individual servings in small mason jars or clear bowls to showcase the colorful layers of veggies, rice, and creamy broth, making mealtime feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores wonderfully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps its flavor and creamy texture well, making it an excellent choice for quick weekday meals.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Creamy Autumn Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe, it’s best to do so before adding the heavy cream. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir in cream when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of extra broth or water can help restore the soup’s luscious consistency if it thickens too much upon cooling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this soup?

Absolutely! While a wild rice blend adds great texture and nutty flavor, you can substitute with white, brown, or even quinoa depending on your preference and what you have on hand. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! To make a dairy-free version of this Creamy Autumn Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a creamy plant-based alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and rich.

Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Of course! If you prefer to cook the chicken yourself, add diced raw chicken to the pot after the broth goes in, and simmer until fully cooked before proceeding with the rice and cream.

How can I make this soup more filling?

Adding more wild rice or tossing in some cooked beans like cannellini or chickpeas can boost the protein and fiber to make it even heartier and more satisfying.

What’s the best way to keep kale tender but not mushy?

Add the kale towards the end of cooking and sauté just enough to wilt it lightly. Overcooking kale can make it lose its vibrant color and become overly soft, so timing here is key for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about the Creamy Autumn Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe that combines comfort, nutrition, and seasonal flavors into one beautiful dish. I hope you fall in love with this recipe as much as I have because it’s the perfect way to celebrate the cozy feeling of autumn in every bite. Grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and dive into this warm bowl of happiness.