Cozy High-Protein Chicken Wild Rice Soup

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There’s something about a cozy bowl of soup that just hits—especially when it’s filling, nourishing, and doesn’t leave you hungry an hour later.

This High-Protein Chicken Wild Rice Soup is one of those recipes. It’s hearty without being heavy, comforting without relying on cream, and packed with real ingredients that actually fuel your body. It’s the kind of meal that works for busy weeknights, leftovers for lunch, or those cold days when you just want something warm and satisfying.

And yes—it’s cozy and nutrient-dense.

Why This Soup Is So Filling

This recipe makes 8 servings, and each bowl provides:

  • 27 grams protein
  • 3 grams fiber
  • 233 calories
  • 18 grams carbs

Translation? This soup isn’t just comforting—it’s balanced enough to keep you full and energized.

The Key Ingredients (and Why They Matter)

Chicken Breast

Lean, high-quality protein is the backbone of this soup. Chicken breast provides essential amino acids that support muscle, metabolism, and long-lasting fullness—without excess saturated fat.

Cultivated Wild Rice

Wild rice is a total underdog grain. Unlike white rice, it offers both protein and fiber.
In this soup, cultivated wild rice contributes about 15 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber, helping slow digestion, stabilize blood sugar, and make the meal much more satisfying.

Chicken Bone Broth

Bone broth adds depth of flavor and nutritional value. It provides additional protein, collagen, and minerals that support joint health and digestion—plus it makes the soup taste like it simmered all day.

Simple Seasonings

This is where the cozy flavor comes in. Herbs, garlic, onion, and warming spices elevate the soup without needing heavy cream or loads of sodium.

What Is a Roux (and Why I Use It)

A roux is a classic mixture of fat and flour cooked together and used to thicken soups and sauces. Traditionally, you’ll see it in creamy soups made with milk or cream—but here’s the twist:

👉 This soup has no milk or cream.

I use a small amount of roux to give the soup a slightly thicker, creamier texture without relying on dairy. It creates that comforting mouthfeel people love in creamy soups—while keeping the recipe lighter and easier to digest.

Think: cozy and satisfying, not heavy.

Why This Soup Works So Well

  • High protein keeps you full
  • Fiber from wild rice supports digestion
  • Bone broth adds richness without heaviness
  • The roux adds creaminess without cream
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully

This is the kind of recipe that proves comfort food and nourishing food can be the same thing.

Perfect for a Cozy, Filling Meal

Whether you’re making dinner for the family, meal-prepping lunches, or just craving something warm and grounding, this High-Protein Chicken Wild Rice Soup delivers.

It’s cozy.
It’s filling.
And it actually supports your body—no cream required.

If you’re looking for a soup that feels indulgent but still aligns with real-life nutrition, this one’s it.

Cozy High-Protein Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

Instructions

  1. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat.

    Add the carrots, celery, and onion, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until the vegetables are soft and tender, about 8–10 minutes.

    Stir in the garlic, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme, and cook until very fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

    Tip: To speed things up, add a small splash of broth or water and cover the pot with a lid while the vegetables soften.
  1. Add the chicken chunks and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

    Pour 4 cups of the bone broth (save one cup for flour butter mixture) into the pot, cover, and bring to a boil. 

    Add the entire packet of rice to the pot, stir to combine.

  1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

    Slowly pour in 1 cup bone broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Switch to a spatula and cook, stirring, until thick and creamy, about 1–2 minutes. 

  1. Add the butter and flour mixture to the soup and stir to combine all ingredients.

    Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts


Amount Per Serving
Calories 233kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g10%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Sodium 594mg25%
Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Protein 27g54%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I make this chicken wild rice soup dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free. There’s no milk or cream added—the creamy texture comes from a small roux, which thickens the soup without using dairy. Just use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter if you want to keep it completely dairy-free.

Can I use regular rice instead of wild rice?

You can, but the nutrition and texture will be different. Cultivated wild rice provides more protein and fiber, plus a heartier chew that makes this soup more filling. If substituting, brown rice is your best option, but keep in mind the protein and fiber will be lower.

Does this soup freeze well?

Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The texture holds up well thanks to the roux-based thickening (without dairy), making it a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

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