Description
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting bowl filled with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and smoky smoked turkey bacon. Enhanced by plant-based cream, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs, it offers a rich, savory, and creamy texture perfect for any season or occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Grains
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed thoroughly
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based cream
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop smoked turkey bacon, carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the wild rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for a fluffy texture.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp and fragrant. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the smoky fat in the pot. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened and beginning to caramelize.
- Add Chicken and Wild Rice: Add the chopped chicken breast to the pot and cook until lightly browned. Stir in the rinsed wild rice, allowing the grains to toast lightly for enhanced nuttiness.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add chicken broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40-50 minutes until the wild rice is tender and plump.
- Add Plant-Based Cream and Finish: Stir in the plant-based cream and natural gelling agent if using. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle fresh herbs on top. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Notes
- Use homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor.
- Toast wild rice before simmering to enhance nuttiness.
- Simmer soup slowly to cook rice evenly without breaking down.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to keep it moist and tender.
- Add plant-based cream near the end to prevent curdling and maintain silky texture.
- Serve garnished with reserved smoked turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of plant-based cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Soup, Wild Rice Soup, Comfort Food, Smoky Soup, Plant-Based Cream Soup, Gluten Free Soup