Autumn Wild Rice Soup: 10 Delicious Fall Comforts

There’s something magical about a crisp fall day. The air smells like leaves, your coziest sweater is calling your name, and suddenly all you want is a warm bowl of comfort. That’s where Autumn Wild Rice Soup comes in—a hearty, soul-soothing dish that tastes like fall in a bowl.

Whether you’ve got picky eaters, a busy week ahead, or you simply want to use up that leftover rotisserie chicken, this recipe is about to become your seasonal favorite. Think nutty wild rice, tender vegetables, and a creamy broth that hugs you from the inside out. Trust me, one spoonful and you’ll forget about the laundry pile staring at you from across the room.

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Wild Rice Soup

• Cozy vibes guaranteed: It’s the ultimate fall comfort food—like wrapping yourself in a blanket, but edible.
• Simple ingredients, big flavor: Wild rice, mushrooms, and a few herbs create a depth that feels fancy, but you’ll find everything at your local grocery store.
• Versatile: Got leftover turkey? Swap it in. Dairy-free? Coconut milk works like a dream.
• Meal prep friendly: This soup reheats beautifully, making your busy weeknights feel a little more under control.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your fall shopping list for the perfect pot of Autumn Wild Rice Soup:

• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Autumn Wild Rice Soup

1. Cook the Wild Rice

Wild rice takes a little longer, but the nutty flavor is worth every minute.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed wild rice with 4 cups of chicken broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 45–50 minutes, until the grains split open.
3. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

This is where the magic begins.

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened.
3. Toss in the mushrooms, cooking another 5–7 minutes until tender.
4. Stir in garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Simmer the Soup

Now we bring it all together.

1. Pour the remaining 4 cups of broth into the pot.
2. Add the cooked wild rice and shredded chicken.
3. Bring to a simmer, then reduce to low. Cover and cook for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the Finishing Touches

The little extras that make a big difference.

1. Stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and sherry, if using.
2. Add parsley and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat gently—don’t let it boil once the cream is in.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with toasted nuts, Parmesan, and a little extra parsley. Add a slice of crusty bread on the side, and you’ve got dinner perfection.

Tips for the Best Autumn Wild Rice Soup

• Batch cook the rice: Wild rice can be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Saves you time on a busy weeknight.
• Don’t rush the simmer: The longer it sits, the richer the flavor. It’s one of those soups that’s even better the next day.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and swap chicken broth for veggie broth. The mushrooms still give it that hearty, umami kick.
• Crockpot option: Cook wild rice separately, then toss everything (except cream and garnishes) into your slow cooker. Simmer on low 6–8 hours. Add cream right before serving.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This soup first became a family tradition one chilly October evening. I had leftover rotisserie chicken, some wild rice sitting in the pantry, and a craving for something cozy. My kids were skeptical at first (“Is that brown rice?”), but one taste and they were hooked. Now, whenever the leaves start to fall, they ask, “Mom, is it soup night?” And just like that, it became our annual autumn ritual.

FAQs About Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Fall in Love with Autumn Wild Rice Soup

If fall had a flavor, this would be it. Nutty rice, tender veggies, creamy broth—it’s comfort food at its finest. The next time the air turns crisp, grab a pot, simmer up some Autumn Wild Rice Soup, and let it work its cozy magic on your family. After all, every spoonful is like a little hug from autumn itself.

I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out in your kitchen—did you go classic, or add your own twist? Leave a review below and share your thoughts; your feedback not only makes my day, but it also helps others who are thinking about trying this recipe too.

And if you’re a Pinterest fan (who isn’t?), don’t forget to follow us there for even more comforting chicken recipes and cozy meal inspiration. Pin this soup now and save it for your next chilly evening—you’ll thank yourself later!

More Cozy Recipes to Try Next

If this Autumn Wild Rice Soup made your kitchen feel like fall, you’ll love exploring a few more recipes that bring the same warmth and comfort to your table:

• For another soul-soothing bowl, try this creamy and flavorful Chicken Poblano Soup—it’s got just the right amount of kick to chase away the chill.
• When you’re craving a hearty classic, this Autumn Harvest Beef Stew will fill your home with rich, savory aromas.
• If you’re in the mood for something fun and seasonal on the sweeter side, these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins are the perfect fall baking project.
• And for a recipe that’s as comforting as it is healing, don’t miss the Italian Penicillin Soup—a bowl of pure cozy goodness.

Each of these dishes pairs beautifully with cool weather, making your fall recipe collection even more magical.

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