Savory Leek and Wild Rice Chicken Soup

This comforting soup combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and sweet leeks for a hearty meal that's perfect any time of year. It’s easy to make and full of warm, savory flavors that everyone will love.

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TIME1 hr 35 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 leeks - white parts only, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces 1 large onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon base (such as Better Than Bouillon®) 8 cups hot water 1 cup wild rice (such as Lundberg Wild Blend®) 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning ¾ pound cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded 3 large multi-colored carrots, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 cup heavy cream salt and ground black pepper to taste 2 sprigs fresh thyme, or to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating some olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the leeks, onion, and garlic, and cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Meanwhile, dissolve the chicken bouillon in hot water, then pour it into the pot with the veggies. Stir in the wild rice and poultry seasoning, cover the pot, and lower the heat to let everything simmer gently. Give it a stir every now and then as it cooks for about 45 minutes. Next, add the chicken, carrots, and bell pepper to the soup. Put the lid back on and keep it simmering until the vegetables are tender, which should take around 30 minutes. Once the veggies are soft, take the lid off and stir in the heavy cream. Taste and season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle some fresh thyme on top before serving.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and improve texture.
- Slice the leeks carefully and wash them well to avoid grit in your soup.
- Simmer the soup gently to keep the chicken tender and prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

Why you’ll love it

This soup is a comforting blend of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and sweet leeks. It’s hearty yet light, making it perfect for cozy nights or when you need a nourishing meal. The flavors develop beautifully as it simmers, creating a satisfying and wholesome dish.

Serving ideas

Serve this soup with a crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely, adding freshness to your meal. For extra richness, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top works beautifully.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice may absorb more liquid over time, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the soup. This soup also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.