Famous Dave’s Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

When the weather gets chilly and you’re craving something warm and comforting, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of chicken wild rice soup. One recipe that has captured the hearts of many is Famous Dave’s Chicken Wild Rice Soup. It’s a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines tender chunks of chicken, hearty wild rice, and a blend of vegetables, all simmered in a rich, creamy broth. Whether you’re making it on a cozy weekend or preparing it to serve at a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

In this post, we’ll dive into the specifics of Famous Dave’s Chicken Wild Rice Soup, walking through the ingredients, the cooking process, and offering some expert tips and variations to make it your own. So, let’s get cooking!

Famous Dave’s Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Famous Dave’s is known for its BBQ, but their chicken wild rice soup has also become a signature dish, loved by many. The recipe is creamy, delicious, and packed with flavor from the wild rice and seasoned chicken. If you’re aiming for that comforting, "just-like-Famous-Dave’s" taste at home, you’re in the right place!

Ingredients Needed

To create this mouth-watering chicken wild rice soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts (boneless & skinless) – You’ll need about 1 pound, diced into bite-sized pieces. The chicken provides a tender texture and absorbs the flavors of the soup as it cooks.
• Wild Rice – 1 cup of wild rice, which has a nutty, chewy texture and adds depth to the soup.
• Butter – 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to sauté your vegetables and give the soup a rich, velvety base.
• Onion – 1 medium onion, diced. Onions are a foundational ingredient in most soups, bringing sweetness and depth.
• Carrots – 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced. Carrots add a subtle sweetness and color.
• Celery – 2 stalks of celery, diced. Celery provides crunch and a light, fresh flavor.
• Garlic – 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic is an essential flavor builder in almost any savory dish.
• Chicken Broth – 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. You can use homemade or store-bought broth.
• Heavy Cream – 1 cup of heavy cream to bring in that rich, velvety texture that makes this soup so indulgent.
• Milk – 1 cup of whole milk to balance out the creaminess and keep the soup from being too heavy.
• Flour – 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup.
• Bay Leaves – 2 bay leaves to add an aromatic essence to the broth.
• Thyme – 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme). Thyme complements the chicken and rice, providing a herby note.
• Salt & Pepper – To taste. These are essential for seasoning the soup.
• Fresh Parsley – For garnish and added freshness.

Cooking Instructions

This is where the magic happens! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a rich and flavorful bowl of soup:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
   • In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • In the same pot, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

3. Create The Soup Base

   • Sprinkle in the flour, stirring to combine. This will help thicken the soup. Cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flour is well incorporated but not browned.
   • Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the wild rice, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.

5. Add Cream And Milk

   • Once the rice is tender, add the heavy cream and milk. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Finish With Chicken And Seasoning

   • Return the cooked chicken to the pot, stirring it into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Remove the bay leaves and discard them.

7. Garnish & Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive a bit deeper into why these ingredients work so well together and make this soup so irresistible:

• Wild Rice: Unlike white or brown rice, wild rice is a seed, not technically a true rice. It has a chewy texture and a nutty flavor that holds up wonderfully in soups. It also adds an earthy element that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
• Heavy Cream and Milk: The combination of these two creates the perfect balance of creaminess. The heavy cream provides richness, while the milk lightens it up just enough to avoid making the soup too heavy.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is the backbone of the soup, providing a deep, savory flavor. Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the salt levels in your dish.
• Herbs & Aromatics: Thyme, bay leaves, and garlic infuse the broth with layers of flavor, making every spoonful aromatic and satisfying.

Expert Tips

Want to take your chicken wild rice soup to the next level? Here are some expert tips:

• Brown the Chicken: For extra flavor, don’t skip the step of browning the chicken before adding it to the soup. This adds a savory depth from the caramelization.
• Let it Rest: Soups like this taste even better the next day! Let the soup sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld even more.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, simply add more broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a while to reduce and thicken.
• Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme works well, fresh thyme or parsley can really elevate the flavor profile and make the soup look more vibrant.

Recipe Variations

Feel like experimenting with this recipe? Here are some variations to customize your chicken wild rice soup:

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more hearty vegetables like mushrooms or potatoes for a filling soup.
• Add Bacon: For extra smokiness, crisp up some bacon and crumble it on top of the soup just before serving. The crunch adds a delightful contrast to the creamy texture.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the soup for some spice.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, using shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut that still delivers delicious flavor.

Final Words

Famous Dave’s Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, heartwarming dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you just need a bit of cozy indulgence. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can recreate this iconic soup at home and enjoy it whenever you want. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the variations, this soup will never disappoint.