Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup with a Healthier Twist

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Abigail Zysk (@poultryraptor)

This is a copycat recipe of Paneras Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with a healthy twise. Using high-protein and low-fat ingredients.

Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
45min
Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup with a Healthier Twist recipe

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

Main Ingredients

  • 1lb
    of shredded or diced cooked chicken thighs or breast.
  • 1 1/2cup
    wild rice blend, cooked
  • 1piece
    medium onion, diced
  • 3clove
    garlic, minced
  • 2piece
    medium carrots, diced
  • 2piece
    celery stalks, diced
  • 4cups
    chicken bone broth
  • 1cup
    unsweetened plain almond milk
  • 1cup
    nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1tbsp
    cornstarch
  • 1tsp
    thyme
  • 1tsp
    parsley
  • 1tsp
    paprika
  • 1/2tsp
    black pepper
  • 1/2tsp
    salt

How to make Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup with a Healthier Twist

Cook the Aromatics

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Then add garlice for 1 additional minute, stirring frequently.

    Step 1.1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat

Add Broth and Spices

  1. Stir in the chicken broth, thyme, parsley, paprika, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.

    Step 2.1: Stir in the chicken broth, thyme, parsley, paprika, and black pepper

Add Wild Rice

  1. Stir in the cooked wild rice. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors.

    Step 3.1: Stir in the cooked wild rice

Add Chicken

  1. Stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through.

    Step 4.1: Stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through

Create the Cream Base

  1. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, almond milk, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually whisk it into the soup. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until thickened.

    Step 5.1: In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, almond milk, and cornstarch until smooth
    Step 5.2: In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, almond milk, and cornstarch until smooth

Taste and Adjust

  1. Add salt and adjust seasonings to taste. Simmer until the soup is creamy and heated through.

    Step 6.1: Add salt and adjust seasonings to taste

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

241.7kcal (12.08%)

Protein

25.0g (50%)

Carbs

20.0g (7.27%)

Sugars

2.5g (5%)

Healthy Fat

3.4g

Unhealthy Fat

1.7g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a thicker soup, add more cornstarch or let it simmer longer.

  2. Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.

  3. You could cook the chicken in the soup if you wanted to. I prefer to airfry before hand. You could also fry in skillet, bake in oven, or use rotisserie chicken.

  4. If you want to airfry your chicken, I cook for 6 minutes each side at 400° F (until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees). Seasoned with garlic salt and pepper.

FAQS

  1. How can I make Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup dairy-free?

    To make this Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup dairy-free, you can substitute the nonfat Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, such as coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt. Additionally, use a plant-based milk like oat milk or soy milk instead of almond milk for a creamy texture.

  2. What are some good side dishes to pair with Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup?

    This Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad, crusty whole grain bread, or a light spinach and strawberry salad. These sides complement the soup's flavors while adding a refreshing touch to your meal.

  3. How do I store leftovers of Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup?

    To store leftovers of your Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup may expand when frozen.

  4. Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice in this soup recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute brown rice for wild rice in this Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Make sure to cook the brown rice separately before adding it to the soup to ensure it’s tender.

  5. What is the cooking process for making Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup?

    To make Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, start by sautéing diced onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in chicken broth, herbs, and spices, followed by the cooked wild rice. After simmering for a few minutes, add shredded chicken. Finally, mix Greek yogurt, almond milk, and cornstarch, whisk it into the soup, and cook until thickened. Adjust seasonings to taste before serving.

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Abigail Zysk

(@poultryraptor)

Hi, I love food and I'm all about lowering my risk of colorectal cancer by following a pollotarian diet and avoiding processed foods. Check out...

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