This amazing recipe is the perfect addition to your fall and winter soup lineup! Easy to make and hard to resist going for another bowl. A comforting and hearty soup featuring tender chicken, wild rice, and a creamy broth infused with fresh thyme and lemon zest. Perfect for cozy evenings with your favorite bread or croissant rolls.
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Over medium heat in a large cooking pot, toss in butter cubes, garlic, and onions and sauté until golden.
Place chicken breasts in with the butter mixture and cook until the edges of the chicken turn white, then flip.

Cook the rice according to the directions on the box, but only cook for 10 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth.

Add the chopped carrots, celery, seasonings, and fresh thyme while the chicken cooks on the other side for about 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken and cover it with tinfoil.
Add the heavy cream to the pot and stir to combine all the flavors.
After 10 minutes of cooking the rice, pour it into the soup mixture to complete cooking.
Shred the chicken and add it back to the soup.

Add the lemon zest and stir.
Let the soup sit for 5-10 minutes on a simmer.
Serve with croissant rolls or your favorite bread and enjoy!
For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken in a separate pan before adding it to the soup.
If you prefer a thicker soup, mix a tablespoon of flour with a bit of water and stir it into the soup before adding the cream.
Freshly grated lemon zest adds a bright flavor, so don't skip this step.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken. Simply add it to the soup after the rice has been added and warmed through.
Can I substitute wild rice with another type of rice?
Yes, you can use other types of rice, but wild rice adds a unique texture and flavor. Adjust cooking times accordingly for different rice varieties.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Ensure the wild rice and chicken broth you use are certified gluten-free. Avoid adding any flour-based thickeners.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but the texture of the cream may change slightly upon reheating. Freeze without the cream and add it after reheating for the best results.
Hi, I’m Jordann! I’m a home cook and content creator passionate about making comforting, flavor-packed meals feel simple and doable. From slow-cooked favorites to indulgent baked goods, I love sharing recipes that bring people together and make everyday cooking feel special. You’ll usually find me in the kitchen testing, tweaking, and filming recipes that are as fun to make as they are to eat—because good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible.
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