Creamy North Woods Chicken and Wild Rice Delight
Transport yourself to the serene North Woods with this rich and comforting Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Adapted from the popular cookbook 'Don't Panic - Dinner's in the Freezer', this dish combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and earthy wild rice in a creamy broth that will warm your soul. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread and a fresh green salad. For ease, consider using pre-cooked bacon crumbles, ensuring they're real bacon and not imitation bits for the best flavor. Enjoy a bowlful of this deliciousness and embrace the cozy vibes it brings!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 lb (cooked and crumbled)
Onion
1/2 (diced)
Celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (smoked preferred)
Cooked chicken breasts
1 1/2 cups (cubed)
Chicken broth
10 ounces (low sodium)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Dry sherry
2 tablespoons (or white wine)
Milk
1 cup (whole milk preferred)
Half-and-half
1 1/2 cups (or heavy cream)
Cooked wild rice
1 1/2 cups (cooled)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the diced onion and chopped celery, sautéing until they are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the flour, salt, thyme, and paprika, cooking for another minute until bubbly and golden.
4
Gradually incorporate the cubed chicken, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, dry sherry, milk, and half-and-half, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
5
To serve immediately, gently fold in the cooked wild rice and bacon pieces, warming through until they are heated entirely.
6
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
7
For freezing, allow the soup to cool completely. Fold in the wild rice and bacon, then transfer to a freezer bag, seal tightly, label, and store in the freezer.
8
To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it is bubbling and heated through before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy North Woods Chicken and Wild Rice Delight?
It is a rich and comforting soup featuring tender chicken, smoky bacon, and earthy wild rice in a creamy broth, inspired by the cookbook 'Don't Panic - Dinner's in the Freezer'.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Can I freeze this chicken and wild rice soup?
Yes, this soup is designed for freezer meal prep. Allow it to cool, fold in the rice and bacon, and store in a sealed freezer bag.
How do I reheat the soup from the freezer?
Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until bubbling and hot.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of cooked chicken breasts, cubed.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon crumbles, but ensure they are real bacon and not imitation bits for the best flavor.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The soup base starts with sautéed diced onion and chopped celery.
What type of rice should I use?
Use 1 1/2 cups of cooked wild rice, cooled before adding to the soup.
What is the recommended liquid base for the broth?
The broth consists of low-sodium chicken broth, whole milk, and half-and-half.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
Yes, you can use heavy cream instead of half-and-half for an even richer consistency.
What seasonings are used in this soup?
The soup is seasoned with salt, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
Is there alcohol in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of dry sherry, which can be substituted with white wine.
How do I thicken the soup?
The soup is thickened using a roux made from melted butter and all-purpose flour.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion and celery for about 5 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread and a fresh green salad.
Should the wild rice be cooked before adding it?
Yes, the wild rice must be cooked and cooled before being folded into the soup.
What type of paprika is preferred?
Smoked paprika is preferred to add a hint of smokiness to the dish.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 15 ingredients in this recipe.
Can I make this in a crockpot?
While the primary instructions are for a stovetop saucepan, the recipe is tagged for crockpot use, implying it can be adapted for slow cooking.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of melted butter.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 10 ounces of chicken broth.
Is this a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty comfort food suitable for chilly evenings.
When should I add the bacon?
Gently fold in the cooked and crumbled bacon at the very end when the soup has thickened.
What is the role of Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?
It is used as a flavor enhancer to add savory depth to the creamy broth.
Can I use low-fat milk?
While whole milk is preferred for richness, you can use other milk types, though the soup may be less creamy.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be pre-cooked and then cut into cubes.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
Should I garnish the soup?
Garnishing with fresh herbs is an optional but recommended way to serve the soup.
Can I use white wine instead of sherry?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of white wine is a perfectly acceptable substitute for dry sherry.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.