What to Serve with Chicken Wild Rice Soup: 15 Perfect Pairings

Chicken wild rice soup is the ultimate comfort food. This creamy, hearty soup combines tender chicken, chewy wild rice, and vegetables in a savory broth It’s warming, filling, and utterly delicious. But what should you serve alongside this cozy classic to make a complete and satisfying meal?

I did some digging to find the very best side dishes to serve with chicken wild rice soup. From crispy breads to fresh salads, these 15 pairings will take your soup experience to the next level. Keep reading for mouthwatering recipe ideas!

1. Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad is an excellent match for chicken wild rice soup. The crunch of romaine lettuce, creamy dressing tangy Parmesan and crispy croutons contrast beautifully with the soup’s smooth texture. The sharp, briny flavor of Parmesan pairs flawlessly with the soup’s savory broth.

To make an easy homemade Caesar dressing simply whisk together olive oil lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, and Parmesan. Toss with romaine, croutons, and more shredded Parmesan.

2. Garlic Bread

Warm, crispy garlic bread is a perfect accompaniment to chicken wild rice soup. The crunch of the toasted bread combined with the softness of the melted garlic butter is a match made in heaven. Plus, the punch of garlicky flavor pairs wonderfully with the herbs in the soup.

Simply spread slices of crusty bread with softened butter mixed with minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Broil or toast until golden brown.

3. Roasted Vegetables

A medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and butternut squash makes a fantastic side for chicken wild rice soup. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars and intensifies the flavors of the vegetables.

Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender. The sweet, earthy flavors pair beautifully with the soup.

4. Dinner Rolls

Warm, soft dinner rolls are a classic companion for hearty soups. They’re the perfect vehicle for sopping up every last drop of the savory broth. Brush rolls with melted butter or olive oil before serving for an extra richness.

For an easy shortcut, pick up ready-to-bake rolls from the bakery section of your grocery store. Or make them from scratch for an impressive homemade touch.

5. Mixed Green Salad

For some contrasting crunch, serve chicken wild rice soup with a simple mixed green salad. The light, fresh greens balance the hearty, creamy soup perfectly.

Build a salad with a mix of lettuces, fresh herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots. Drizzle with a lemony vinaigrette or your favorite dressing. Top with toasted nuts or seeds for extra texture.

6. Cornbread

Moist, golden cornbread complements chicken wild rice soup wonderfully. Its hint of sweetness offsets the soup’s savory flavors. The slightly gritty texture also contrasts nicely with the soup’s smoothness.

Jazz up a basic cornbread mix by adding shredded cheddar, chopped scallions, jalapeños, or corn kernels. Or make it from scratch for the ultimate homemade treat.

7. Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad provides a sweet, vibrant counterpoint to creamy chicken wild rice soup. The lightness of the fruit balances the heartiness of the soup.

Simply toss together a colorful array of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple, and mandarin oranges. Drizzle with a honey-lime dressing for a touch of brightness.

8. Caprese Salad

A caprese salad is a fantastic lighter option to serve with chicken wild rice soup. The fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil are an absolute delight.

Layer sliced tomatoes alternately with mozzarella, overlapping them. Tear fresh basil leaves over the top and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to finish.

9. Crusty Bread

Tearing off chunks of crusty bread to dip into your chicken wild rice soup is an extremely satisfying experience. The crunch of the bread paired with the lush creaminess of the soup is simply divine.

For delicious flavor, brush slices of crusty French or Italian bread with olive oil and toast until golden brown. Rub with a cut garlic clove if desired.

10. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a supremely comforting side dish for chicken wild rice soup. Their velvety smooth texture complements the hearty chunks of chicken and rice perfectly.

Simply boil and mash russet or Yukon Gold potatoes with butter, milk, and seasonings to taste. For extra richness, stir in sour cream, Parmesan, or shredded cheddar.

11. Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli florets provide a healthy accompaniment to chicken wild rice soup. Their fresh, verdant flavor and slight crunch balances the soup’s richness.

Steam broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp. Toss with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a kick.

12. Focaccia

Focaccia, an Italian flatbread, makes a fabulous pairing with chicken wild rice soup. Its soft, chewy texture and olive oil-based flavor complement the soup wonderfully.

Make your own focaccia or pick up a loaf from your favorite bakery. For added flavor, choose rosemary or garlic focaccia. Dip the bread right into your soup bowl.

13. Quinoa Salad

For a high-protein, gluten-free option, serve your soup with a quinoa salad. Quinoa’s fluffy texture and nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the hearty soup.

Simply toss cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and scallions. Dress it with a vinaigrette and sprinkle with nuts or feta.

14. Parmesan Toast

Take ordinary buttered toast to the next level by turning it into Parmesan toast. These crispy, cheesy pieces of bread make mouthwatering soup dippers.

Brush slices of bread with melted butter. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

15. Brioche Rolls

Buttery, tender brioche rolls deserve a place alongside your bowl of chicken wild rice soup. Their richness matches the soup flawlessly. Tear off bite-size pieces to soak up every last bit of broth.

Pick up ready-made brioche buns or rolls from your grocery store bakery. Warm them up before serving for ultimate flavor and texture.

Chicken wild rice soup makes the ultimate comforting meal, but the right side dish can take it to the next level. Try one of these 15 delicious pairings for a fully satisfying soup night. From crisp salads to warm breads, the options are limitless. Get creative with your favorite flavors and ingredients. Your taste buds will thank you.

A great side dish for soup depends on the type of soup, but generally, classic pairings like grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread for dipping, or a fresh salad offer a good balance of flavors and textures.