Chicken And Wild Rice Chowder
A hearty chicken and wild rice chowder packed with vegetables, mushrooms, and kale, offering creamy comfort and robust flavors perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. wild rice ⓘ
- 4 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 3/8 c. water ⓘ
- 2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans mushroom soup ⓘ
- 7 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 2/3 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 2/3 c. chopped carrots ⓘ
- 1 heaping tsp. chopped garlic ⓘ
- 3/8 c. margarine ⓘ
- 3 1/8 c. kale ⓘ
- 3 heaping tsp. beef base ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. chopped chicken ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the vegetables in chicken stock until soft, keeping the pot covered to reduce evaporation of broth.
- Add the cooked wild rice to the vegetable and broth mixture.
- Mix water and cornstarch together and add to the pot to thicken the chowder.
- Add mushroom soup, chicken broth, chopped celery, chopped onions, chopped carrots, chopped garlic, margarine, chopped kale, beef base, and chopped chicken.
- Heat the mixture until all ingredients are heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. If you don't have wild rice, you can substitute it with brown rice, but adjust cooking times as needed. For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead. Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, which pair beautifully with chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Alice'S Poppy Seed Chicken for a delightful dinner spread. Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine for a comforting dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much in the fridge, add a little extra chicken broth or water while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Wild Rice Chowder contains roughly 1759 calories, with 22g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1997mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in this chowder?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor to the chowder. Just shred the chicken and add it in step 4, ensuring it's heated through before serving.
How can I make this chowder spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on top for an extra kick.
Can I freeze the chowder?
Yes, you can freeze the chowder! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).