Byerlys Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Wild rice soup, especially the iconic Byerly’s Wild Rice Soup, is a dish that has earned its place in the heart of many. This creamy, hearty soup has roots in Minnesota, where wild rice is a prized ingredient. Not only is wild rice known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, but it also adds a depth to any dish that regular rice just can’t match. Byerly’s, a beloved grocery store in Minnesota, created this comforting soup, and now it’s one of those recipes people hold dear and recreate in their kitchens, especially when the cold weather rolls in.

What makes Byerly’s Wild Rice Soup so appealing is how it strikes a perfect balance between creamy and savory, with the earthy tones of wild rice mingling with rich chicken, vegetables, and a hint of herbs. It’s the kind of soup you serve when you want to make a meal feel cozy and nourishing, but without hours spent in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or as a centerpiece for dinner, it always manages to warm the soul.

Ready to try it out yourself? Let’s dive into the recipe, breaking down every step and detail to help you create a perfect pot of Byerly’s Wild Rice Soup in your own kitchen.

This recipe combines the creamy richness of a velvety soup with the nutty flavor of wild rice, the comfort of chicken, and the wholesome crunch of vegetables. Plus, it’s easy to make! Here’s a simple breakdown of how to make it just like Byerly’s.

Ingredients Needed

To recreate this Minnesota classic, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Wild Rice (1 cup): The star of the soup, wild rice is different from regular rice. It’s actually an aquatic grass seed, which gives it its chewy texture and nutty flavor.
Chicken (2 cups, shredded): You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or cook some chicken breasts. Either way, it adds a savory, meaty component that complements the wild rice perfectly.
Carrots (2 medium, diced): These add a mild sweetness and color, balancing the earthiness of the wild rice and broth.
Celery (2 stalks, diced): Celery provides crunch and a fresh note that cuts through the richness of the soup.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Onion is a flavor base, lending that aromatic depth to the soup.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A must for bringing out savory flavors and a bit of heat.
Chicken Broth (4 cups): You can use homemade or store-bought broth. The chicken broth serves as the soup’s base, infusing it with flavor.
Heavy Cream (2 cups): This gives the soup its signature creaminess and richness.
Butter (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables and adding a smooth richness.
Flour (1/4 cup): Used to thicken the soup and create that velvety texture.
Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried or fresh): A subtle herb that adds earthiness without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Bay Leaf (1): Adds a fragrant layer of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this comforting soup? Here’s a detailed guide to walk you through the cooking process step-by-step:

Prepare The Wild Rice
- Rinse the wild rice under cold water. Add it to a pot with about 2-3 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender but still has a nice chew. Drain and set aside.
Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Create The Soup Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Let the flour cook for about 2 minutes, helping it to form a roux (a mixture of flour and fat that will thicken the soup).
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer.
Add The Chicken And Seasonings
- Add the shredded chicken, cooked wild rice, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together.
Finish With Cream
- Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Don’t let it boil, as this could cause the cream to curdle. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve And Enjoy
- Discard the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy with some crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Ingredient Insights

Wild Rice: Wild rice is unique in that it’s not actually a ’rice’ in the botanical sense. It’s an aquatic grass that grows in shallow waters. It has a distinctive nutty flavor and chewy texture that elevates any dish it’s used in, making it an ideal choice for this soup.
Heavy Cream: The richness of heavy cream is what gives this soup its luxurious mouthfeel. It balances the earthiness of the wild rice and the savory chicken, creating a comforting experience with each spoonful.
Thyme and Bay Leaf: These herbs infuse the soup with subtle earthy, woody flavors. Thyme, in particular, pairs wonderfully with chicken, while the bay leaf adds a layer of fragrance and depth that you may not immediately notice but will certainly appreciate.

Expert Tips

Cook the Wild Rice Ahead of Time: Wild rice can take a while to cook, so preparing it ahead of time will save you time when you’re actually making the soup. You can even store the cooked rice in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth adds an extra layer of flavor and richness. It’s easy to make with leftover chicken bones and some vegetables, and it really takes this soup to the next level.
Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even milk. Just note that it will affect the richness of the soup.
Don’t Skip the Roux: The flour-based roux is essential to achieving that creamy texture. Skipping it or adding the cream directly to the broth could result in a thinner, less creamy soup.
Add Fresh Herbs: For a fresher, more vibrant flavor, you can add chopped fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary at the end of cooking.

Recipe Variations

While Byerly’s Wild Rice Soup is fantastic as it is, sometimes it’s fun to play around and customize. Here are a few variations you can try:

Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the soup for a bit of heat. This can complement the richness of the cream and bring a fun contrast to the flavors.
Add Bacon: For a smoky flavor, cook some crumbled bacon and sprinkle it over the soup just before serving. The bacon adds both crunch and a salty contrast to the creamy base.
Cheese: Stir in some grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese for added richness and a bit of sharpness that complements the soup’s smoothness.

Final Words

This Byerly’s Wild Rice Soup recipe is a comfort food classic for a reason. It’s hearty, creamy, and filled with layers of savory, earthy flavors. It’s a dish that makes you feel at home, whether you’re curled up on the couch on a cold day or serving it at a family dinner. The wild rice adds something special that makes it stand out from other creamy soups, and it’s versatile enough to be adapted to your own tastes.

Byerlys Wild Rice Soup Recipe