Chicken wild rice soup is basically comfort in a bowl. I mean, who doesn’t love that creamy, hearty goodness with tender chicken chunks and chewy wild rice? It’s pretty much the perfect cold weather meal. But sometimes, soup alone just doesn’t cut it. You need something to complement that bowl of warmth and make it a complete meal.
I’ve been experimenting with different side dishes to pair with my family’s favorite chicken wild rice soup recipe, and I’ve discovered some amazing combinations that take this comfort food to a whole new level Today, I’m gonna share my top 15 side dishes that go perfectly with chicken wild rice soup
Why Pairing Matters
Before we dive into the specific side dishes, let’s talk about why pairing matters. The perfect side dish should:
- Provide contrasting textures (crunchy vs. creamy)
- Complement the flavors without overwhelming them
- Add nutritional balance to the meal
- Make the meal more filling and satisfying
Now, let’s explore the best pairings for your next chicken wild rice soup dinner!
Bread and Cracker Options
1. Crusty Bread or Baguette
There’s something magical about dipping a piece of crusty bread into creamy soup. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft interior of a fresh baguette makes it the perfect companion for chicken wild rice soup.
Quick Tip Warm your bread in the oven for 5 minutes before serving for that fresh-baked feel
2. Garlic Bread
Take your bread game up a notch with some homemade garlic bread! The rich, garlicky flavor pairs wonderfully with the savory herbs in the soup.
Easy Recipe: Spread butter mixed with minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper on sliced bread. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired and broil until golden.
3. Sourdough Crackers
For a lighter option, sourdough crackers bring a delightful crunch and tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup. Their rustic taste and crispy texture make them perfect for dipping or crumbling on top.
4. Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup. They’re comforting, easy to make (or buy), and their buttery flavor complements the soup’s richness.
5. Cornbread
Cornbread adds a sweet and savory element that works so well with chicken wild rice soup. The slightly gritty texture and hint of sweetness balance the savory soup perfectly.
Jazz It Up: Add shredded cheddar, chopped scallions, or jalapeños to your cornbread for extra flavor!
Fresh and Crunchy Salads
6. Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad provides the perfect contrast to creamy soup. The crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer different textures and flavors that complement the soup wonderfully.
Quick Homemade Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, and Parmesan.
7. Apple Walnut Salad
For a touch of sweetness, an apple walnut salad brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette balance the rich and creamy soup beautifully.
8. Cucumber Salad
A simple cucumber salad is refreshing and light, making it a perfect contrast to hearty soup. The crisp texture and clean flavor cleanse the palate between spoonfuls of creamy soup.
Simple Dressing: Combine vinegar, a touch of sugar, dill, and a bit of salt for a quick and easy dressing.
9. Green Salad with House Dressing
Sometimes, the simplest option is the best. A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and nutrients without competing with the soup’s flavors.
Vegetable Sides
10. Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash makes a fantastic side for chicken wild rice soup. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars and creates a delicious contrast to the soup.
Roasting Tip: Toss veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F until browned and tender.
11. Garlic Roasted Carrots
Garlic roasted carrots bring a sweet and savory element to your meal. The roasting process brings out their natural sweetness, while the garlic adds depth that complements the soup’s flavors.
12. Green Beans
Fresh green beans sautéed with a touch of garlic and butter make a simple yet elegant side. Their crisp texture and fresh flavor offer a nice contrast to the creamy soup.
13. Sautéed Mushrooms
If you’re a mushroom lover, sautéed mushrooms make an excellent accompaniment to chicken wild rice soup. Their earthy flavor and meaty texture pair beautifully with the soup, enhancing its natural flavors.
Hearty Comfort Food Pairings
14. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Is there anything more comforting than soup and a grilled cheese sandwich? The melted cheese and toasted bread create the ultimate comfort food pairing. Try using different cheese blends for variety!
15. Mac and Cheese
For the ultimate comfort food combo, serve a small side of mac and cheese with your chicken wild rice soup. It might seem like carb overload, but the creamy, cheesy pasta complements the soup surprisingly well.
Making a Complete Meal
When planning your meal around chicken wild rice soup, consider these combinations for a well-rounded dinner:
- Light Meal: Chicken wild rice soup + green salad + crusty bread
- Comfort Food Dinner: Chicken wild rice soup + grilled cheese sandwich + roasted vegetables
- Family Style Meal: Chicken wild rice soup + cornbread + garlic roasted carrots + apple walnut salad
Tips for Serving
- Temperature Contrast: Serve hot soup with cool salads for a nice temperature contrast.
- Portion Sizes: Keep side dish portions small to let the soup be the star.
- Presentation: Use different heights and colors when plating to make the meal visually appealing.
- Timing: Prepare sides that can be made ahead or require minimal last-minute attention so you can focus on the soup.
My Personal Favorite Pairing
I gotta say, my absolute favorite pairing with chicken wild rice soup is warm, crusty sourdough bread with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The tangy bread and fresh salad balance the creamy soup perfectly, and it’s so satisfying without being too heavy.
Final Thoughts
Chicken wild rice soup is already amazing on its own, but the right side dish can take your meal from good to absolutely fantastic. Whether you prefer something crispy, fresh, or comforting alongside your soup, there’s an option on this list that will satisfy your cravings.
Remember, the best pairing is ultimately the one you enjoy most! Don’t be afraid to mix and match or try your own combinations. Food is meant to be fun and personal.
What’s your favorite thing to serve with chicken wild rice soup? I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences in the comments below!
Happy cooking and even happier eating!
What to Serve with Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Thinking about serving food with this soup, my mind first goes to crackers. Next, a delicious grilled cheese, you could mix up the type of cheese inside, anything you want. To add freshness, something like a cucumber salad would taste great. Finally, fresh baked bread sliced up and dipped in this soup would be wonderful.
What is Wild Rice?
Wild rice is a grain grown in grass, though not related to the domesticated rice that we are all familiar with. It has a distinct vegetal and plant-y taste to it, kind of like a grassy flavor, and the rice itself has a little more bite, it’s a little chewier.
Wild rice is called wild because it can be found growing along rivers and lakes, and it once grew as plentiful and as much as the grass. The rice grows on long, delicate stalks. You can harvest the rice and then eat the plant it grew from.
For a creamier chicken soup, you can add heavy cream and butter, we used half and half, but heavy cream would add much more richness. This will turn the recipe into a creamy chicken wild rice soup. For a different type of chicken and a heavier feel, you could add skinless chicken thighs instead of using chicken breasts. You could also add any different types of vegetables you want, including peas, corn, zucchini, broccoli, edamame, and more.
Healthy Creamy Chicken + Wild Rice Soup
FAQ
What is a good side for soup?
Good soup sides include classic pairings like crusty bread, garlic bread, or a grilled cheese sandwich for dipping, as well as fresh salads, roasted vegetables, and other carb-rich options like biscuits, crackers, or potatoes to complement different soups. The key is to balance a hearty soup with a lighter side or vice versa.
What bread to serve with wild rice soup?
We’re pairing this hearty chicken soup—chock full of cream, wild rice, chicken, and veggies—with our fan-favorite garlic bread for a delicious dish that’s ready in no time. All you need to do is heat up the soup, bake the garlic bread, and most importantly … dig in and enjoy!
What pairs well with wild rice for dinner?
- Walnut-Crusted Cod. Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry. …
- Lemon Salmon. Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry. …
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast. …
- Garlic Mushroom Double Cream Brie Cheese. …
- Stuffed Acorn Squash. …
- Maple Glazed Carrots. …
- Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts. …
- Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Breast.
What side goes with chicken and rice?
Good side dishes with chicken and rice are typically vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots, as well as various salads, such as a fresh green salad or a creamy coleslaw. You can also consider adding bread for mopping up sauces or trying other starches like mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. The best choice depends on your meal’s specific flavor profile and the type of chicken dish you’re having.