Name: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend; 2 tbsp butter or olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and satisfying. Using rotisserie chicken cuts the prep time dramatically while still delivering deep, home-cooked flavor. The wild rice adds texture and heartiness, and the creamy broth ties it all together beautifully. It’s simple enough for weeknights but comforting enough to serve for guests or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rotisserie chicken, shredded
Wild rice blend
Butter or olive oil
Onion, diced
Carrots, sliced
Celery, chopped
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
All-purpose flour
Dried thyme
Bay leaf
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Rice: Prepare the wild rice according to package directions until tender. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Build the Base: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth and slightly thickened.
Add Flavorings: Stir in thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Combine: Add cooked wild rice and shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot. Stir and cook for another 10 minutes.
Finish Creamy: Pour in heavy cream and stir gently until the soup becomes rich and creamy. Simmer for 5 more minutes, then remove the bay leaf.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Lightened-Up Version: Use milk instead of cream or swap in coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Herb Upgrade: Add rosemary or sage for a more fragrant flavor.
Mushroom Addition: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for a heartier, earthy taste.
Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the soup.
Extra Creamy: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or Parmesan cheese before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup may thicken as it sits—add a splash of broth or milk when reheating. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months (freeze before adding the cream for best results). Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir in cream after reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, any pre-cooked shredded chicken works perfectly in this recipe.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

3. How do I prevent the rice from soaking up all the liquid?

Cook the rice separately and add it just before serving to maintain the perfect texture.

4. What type of wild rice works best?

A long-grain wild rice blend provides the best flavor and texture balance.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk or your favorite plant-based alternative.

6. How can I make the soup thicker?

Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add an additional tablespoon of flour when making the roux.

7. Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, peas, spinach, or kale make great additions.

8. Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, but freeze it before adding cream for the best texture. Add cream when reheating.

9. Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, but the flavor and texture will be milder, and it will cook faster.

10. What can I serve with this soup?

A slice of crusty bread, a green salad, or homemade biscuits pair perfectly.

Conclusion

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate cozy meal—rich, hearty, and full of comforting flavor. It’s an easy, one-pot dish that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or a fresh rotisserie, this creamy, flavorful soup will warm your heart and satisfy the whole family. Perfect for weeknights, rainy days, or any time you need a taste of comfort.