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–+ servings
Wild Rice and Orzo Chicken Soup

Warm Up with Wild Rice and Orzo Chicken Soup Bliss

Warm up with a cozy bowl of Wild Rice and Orzo Chicken Soup, a delightful blend of chicken, wild rice, and orzo pasta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs Can substitute with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
  • 1 medium yellow onion Shallots can work well if preferred.
  • 4 cloves garlic Feel free to adjust to taste.
  • 1 cup dry wild rice blend Brown rice can be substituted.
  • 2 medium carrots Can substitute with parsnips.
  • 1 cup chopped celery Can omit if necessary.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning Mix of thyme, rosemary, and sage can work.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Consider using smoked paprika for added flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Broth and Greens
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach or kale Any leafy green can work.
For the Pasta and Cream
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta Substitute with another small pasta shape if needed.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Can substitute with cilantro.
  • 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk Dairy alternatives can be used.
For Cooking and Finishing Touches
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter Margarine can work as an alternative.
  • 5 leaves fresh sage Use less if opting for dried sage.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Stove
  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base
  1. Gather a large pot or Instant Pot. Add chicken, onion, garlic, wild rice, carrots, celery, seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and ½ cup water. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes if using Instant Pot.
Step 2: Release and Shred
  1. Once cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the steam. Remove lid, take out garlic, and shred chicken in the pot. Stir in spinach and orzo, switch to sauté mode, and cook for 6-8 minutes until orzo is al dente.
Step 3: Finish the Soup
  1. Pour in heavy cream or milk, mixing thoroughly. Adjust liquid for soup consistency. Prepare sage butter by melting butter with garlic and sage until fragrant.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with crusty bread or salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Watch cooking times for rice, add broth when reheating to maintain soup consistency, and feel free to substitute vegetables based on preference.

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