On chilly days or when you’re seeking something warm and comforting, there’s nothing better than a cozy bowl of soup. Herb-Infused Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Seasonal Vegetables is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious meal that the whole family can enjoy. Bursting with the earthy flavors of herbs, tender chunks of chicken, nutty wild rice, and colorful seasonal produce, this soup brings comfort and nutrition all in one bowl. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a wholesome dinner, this recipe is a nourishing choice that satisfies both body and soul.
What Is Herb-Infused Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?
This soup combines the tender, juicy goodness of cooked chicken with the deep flavor of wild rice, which has a slightly chewy texture and nutty taste. What makes this recipe stand out is the aromatic herbs—like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves—that infuse the broth with natural richness. Seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and kale or spinach, add vibrant color and crunch. It’s a one-pot wonder that feels like a warm hug and brings together simple, wholesome ingredients.
Health Benefits and Precautions
This soup is more than just tasty—it offers several health perks. Wild rice is rich in protein and fiber, which help with digestion and make you feel full longer. It’s also lower in calories than white rice and full of antioxidants. Chicken provides lean protein, important for muscle growth and repair. Seasonal vegetables offer vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
Herbs like thyme and rosemary may have anti-inflammatory properties and support your immune system. The broth helps keep you hydrated and makes this meal easy to digest.
However, if you’re on a low-sodium diet, be mindful of how much salt or broth concentrate you use. Choose a low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the added salt if needed. Also, those with food allergies should check ingredients carefully—for example, ensure there’s no dairy or gluten if you’re sensitive.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (rotisserie or leftovers work great)
- 2 cups chopped seasonal greens (like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Herb-Infused Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Rice
Stir in the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Add the wild rice and mix until everything is well coated in the herbs. Let the rice toast lightly for 1-2 minutes to bring out its nutty flavor.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, stir well, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and has popped open a bit.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Greens
Once the wild rice is cooked, stir in the shredded chicken and chopped seasonal greens. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the greens are wilted and the chicken is heated through.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt and black pepper if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoying and Storing the Soup
This soup makes about 6 servings and keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it over the stove or in a microwave-friendly bowl until hot. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to thin it out.
Conclusion
Herb-Infused Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Seasonal Vegetables is more than just a delicious meal—it’s deeply satisfying, nutritionally rich, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just wanting to eat more balanced meals, this recipe brings comfort and nutrition together in every bite. Try it today and wrap yourself in the warmth of clean, wholesome flavors.
Share this content:
