Prep The Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, slicing the carrots, dicing the celery, and mincing the garlic. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Saute The Aromatics: Heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat in your large soup pot. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Saute until the vegetables are softened, and the kitchen is filled with a delightful aroma.
Brown, The Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until it’s browned on all sides. This step adds flavor and ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked in the final soup.
Add Rice And Broth: Stir in the wild rice, followed by the chicken broth and water. Toss in the dried thyme and drop in the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Simmer To Perfection: Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 45-50 minutes or until the wild rice is tender and the flavors melded beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Optional Creaminess: For an extra touch of indulgence, stir in the heavy cream. This step is entirely optional but adds a luxurious creaminess to the soup.
Serve And Garnish: Once your Publix Chicken and Wild Rice Soup has reached perfection, discard the bay leaf and ladle it into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of colour and freshness.