If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food as the leaves turn gold and the air gets crisp, Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is the dish that’ll steal your heart and warm your soul. Picture tender chicken, earthy wild rice, sweet carrots, savory mushrooms, kale, and aromatic herbs simmered into creamy perfection—a bowlful of everything wonderful about fall. Whether you’re gathered around a weekend family table or curling up solo with your favorite book, Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup promises rich flavors and soothing warmth in every spoonful.

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup lies in its lineup of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to add its own bit of magic—whether that’s depth, texture, or color—to every comforting bite.

Olive Oil: The base for sautéing, infusing the veggies with rich, fruity flavor and helping everything meld together deliciously.
Yellow Onion: Lays down a sweet, savory foundation as it caramelizes; dice it fine for a balanced spoonful in every bite.
Garlic: Adds warming, aromatic depth—freshly minced makes all the difference.
Carrots: Diced for natural sweetness and a burst of autumn color.
Celery: Essential for that classic soup flavor, it balances out the richness and adds crunch.
Boneless Skinless Chicken (Breasts or Thighs): Tender, lean protein that shreds beautifully after simmering.
Wild Rice Blend: The star of the show; brings nutty, earthy flavors and a satisfyingly chewy texture.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps things savory but not overly salty, allowing other flavors to shine.
Dried Thyme: Infuses the soup with warm, herbal notes quintessential to autumn cooking.
Dried Rosemary: Lends a piney, outdoorsy aroma that pairs perfectly with wild rice.
Bay Leaf: Adds subtle depth and complexity—just remember to remove it before serving!
Cremini Mushrooms: Offer rich, woodsy character while soaking up all the delicious broth.
Kale: Chopped for green, nutrient-packed goodness that softens beautifully in the soup.
Heavy Cream: Swirls in creamy luxury, transforming the broth into pure velvet.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a touch to thicken the soup, making each spoonful extra satisfying.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go to get it just right.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: The bright finishing touch; sprinkle generously as garnish right before serving.

How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about thirty seconds—just until its aroma fills your kitchen—so it doesn’t burn. You’re building the flavorful backbone for the whole pot of soup here!

Step 2: Add Chicken, Rice, and Herbs

Next, nestle the chicken pieces right into your veggie mixture. Sprinkle in the wild rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat. Cover and let it simmer for 35 to 40 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the chicken cooks tenderly, the wild rice opens up, and the herbs quietly weave into every drop of broth.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, use tongs to remove it from the pot. Place it on a cutting board and shred with two forks until it’s in bite-sized pieces. Then, slide all that tender shredded chicken back into the pot, ensuring you won’t miss a morsel in your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup.

Step 4: Add Mushrooms and Kale

Time to add another layer of flavor! Stir in the cremini mushrooms and chopped kale. Let the soup simmer for another five minutes; the mushrooms will become tender while the kale turns silky and vibrant green, adding both nutrients and a burst of color to the pot.

Step 5: Creamy Finish and Thicken

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until absolutely smooth—no lumps allowed. Slowly pour this mixture into your simmering soup, stirring as you go. Let it cook for five more minutes—the broth will thicken and turn lusciously creamy. Now is the time to taste and season with salt and black pepper. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle each with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. That’s it—your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is ready to make your kitchen smell incredible and your heart feel happy.

How to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Garnishes

Set out a little dish of extra chopped fresh parsley for the table—this finishing touch not only looks lovely but also gives the soup a fresh, herby lift. Some people love an extra swirl of cream or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top. For even more color and crunch, try toasted pumpkin seeds or a handful of microgreens.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs with Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup quite like a crusty hunk of sourdough or a soft dinner roll, perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. If you want to build the meal out a bit more, a simple side salad of baby greens with apple slices and a vinaigrette adds brightness, or roast up some delicata squash for a fall-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Serve your soup in rustic bread bowls for a showstopper presentation. For a cozier, personal vibe, use chunky stoneware mugs, topped with a little sprig of fresh thyme. Or, if you’re bringing this soup to a potluck, a big Dutch oven bubbling away in the middle of the table never fails to draw a crowd—and makes serving seconds (and thirds!) a breeze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Once the soup has fully cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. You’ll find the flavors meld and deepen with time, making every reheated bowl even cozier.

Freezing

This soup is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Simply cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a taste of autumn on demand, just thaw overnight in the fridge. (If you know you’ll be freezing, consider adding the cream after thawing when you reheat, for the best smooth texture.)

Reheating

To reheat, pour the desired amount of soup into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If you’re using the microwave, cover and heat in intervals, stirring between each one. If the soup thickens a bit in the fridge, loosen it with a splash of broth or water until it returns to its original, creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, just leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add chickpeas, white beans, or extra mushrooms to boost the heartiness and match the original’s cozy feel.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you’d like to lighten things up or need a dairy-free option, substitute coconut milk for a creamy result or try a splash of unsweetened oat milk. Both options will give you a comforting, rich texture without the dairy.

Will brown or white rice work in this soup?

You can swap in brown rice if you like, though the texture will be a bit different from the wild rice blend, and you may need to adjust the cooking time for tenderness. White rice isn’t recommended, as it becomes too soft and mushy during the long simmer.

Can I make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients except the kale, mushrooms, cream, and flour to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken, then add the mushrooms, kale, and cream/flour slurry for the last 30 minutes, cooking until the veggies are tender and the soup is creamy.

How do I keep the kale vibrant and not overcooked?

For bite and color, add the kale during the last five minutes of cooking—just enough time for it to wilt and turn a deep green while still retaining its gorgeous hue and some texture. If you add it too early, it can become mushy and lose that pop!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup to usher in the spirit of fall—one delicious, steamy bowl at a time. Whether you’re stirring up a pot for family or treating yourself to a little solo comfort, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your autumn rotation. So grab a big spoon and enjoy the best flavors of the season with every bite!

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with this hearty and comforting Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup. Packed with tender chicken, nutrient-rich vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a creamy broth, this soup is the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly fall day.

Ingredients

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For the Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 cup kale, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, saute onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Cook Soup: Add chicken, wild rice, broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Simmer until rice is tender and chicken is cooked. Shred chicken and return to pot.
Add Vegetables: Stir in mushrooms and kale, cooking until tender.
Thicken Soup: Whisk cream and flour, then stir into soup. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.