Creamy Wild Rice Soup with Chicken

Last Updated on October 22, 2025 by Carrie Korem, FNTP

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy wild rice soup with chicken on a cold day! It’s comforting and nourishing and made with simple, real-food ingredients that support your thyroid and immune health.

This soup is gluten-free and uses arrowroot instead of flour to keep it creamy. Plus, soaking the wild rice overnight makes it easier to digest and helps your body absorb more minerals.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, nutrient-packed soup:

• 1 cup wild rice, soaked overnight with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons butter (or ghee)
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• ½ teaspoon each dried thyme, rosemary, and sage
• 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups bone broth or meat stock
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour
• ½ cup heavy cream

How to Make Wild Rice Soup with Chicken:

This recipe takes a little time because you need to soak the rice, but is so worth it!

1. Soak the rice: About 8 hours before cooking, place wild rice and vinegar in a bowl and cover with water. This step makes a big difference (see why below!).
2. Cook the rice: Drain the rice, then cook it in boiling water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Add celery, carrots, onion, and garlic. Cover and let them sweat for about 30 minutes.
4. Add herbs and broth: Stir in the thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper until fragrant. Add the broth and chicken, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken, shred or chop, and return it to the pot.
6. Thicken the soup: Mix the arrowroot flour with ¼ cup of water, then whisk in a ladle of hot broth to temper it. Slowly stir the mixture into the soup.
7. Add the finishing touches: Stir in the cream, cooked rice, lemon zest, and juice. Season to taste and serve warm.

Why It’s Important to Soak the Rice Before Cooking:

Soaking wild rice overnight helps reduce phytic acid, a naturally occurring compound in grains and seeds. Phytic acid can block the absorption of key minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium and it’s also hard on digestion.

Taking this simple step makes your soup more nourishing and easier to digest and is totally worth the extra time!

Make This Wild Rice Soup with Chicken Gluten-Free:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses arrowroot flour to thicken instead of wheat flour. Arrowroot gives the soup a rich, creamy texture without adding any gluten or heavy thickeners.

If you need a dairy-free option, use ghee or duck fat instead of butter and full coconut milk (not a coconut beverage) in place of heavy cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Rice Get Mushy in Soup?

Wild rice holds its texture beautifully, especially when it’s cooked separately before adding it to the soup. Avoid overcooking, and stir it in at the end for the best consistency.

How Can I Thicken This Soup?

Arrowroot flour is the perfect gluten-free thickener. Just whisk it with water before adding it to the hot broth to prevent clumping.

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken to Save Time?

Yes! You can absolutely use organic rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts. Just shred the meat and stir it in during the final steps to warm through.

Can I Use Leftover Chicken or Turkey?

Definitely! This recipe works well with leftover chicken or turkey, especially after the holidays. Simply add the cooked meat in toward the end, so it stays tender and flavorful.

The Healthiest Broth for This Soup

You can use bone broth or meat stock for this recipe. I love using my homemade meat stock because it’s lower in glutamates and gentler on the gut which is especially helpful for anyone with autoimmunity or histamine issues.

Both options are rich in minerals, collagen, and amino acids that support thyroid health and immune balance.

More Delicious Soup Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

If you love this wild rice soup with chicken, here are a few other reader favorites:

• Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash and Kale
• Creamy Vegetable Soup
• Shrimp and Potato Chowder
• Lemon Chicken and Vegetable Soup
• Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy wild rice soup with chicken is one of those recipes you’ll want to make all season long. It’s nutrient-rich, comforting  and perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekends at home.

Once you try making it with soaked wild rice and real ingredients, you’ll see how much better homemade can be!

 

 

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