Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

by

“A Bowl of Comfort You’ll Crave Over and Over!”

Warm up your soul with this rich and hearty soup, packed with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and earthy mushrooms, all in a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy nights or make-ahead meals, this dish is both satisfying and versatile.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms recommended)

For the Protein and Grains:

  • 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup wild rice, uncooked

For the Broth and Seasonings:

  • 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Finish:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Base:

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until tender and fragrant.

2️⃣ Add the Wild Rice:

  1. Rinse the wild rice under cold water and drain.
  2. Stir the rice into the pot with the vegetables.

3️⃣ Simmer the Soup:

  1. Pour in the chicken broth, then add thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40–50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the wild rice is tender.

4️⃣ Add the Chicken:

  1. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook until heated through.

5️⃣ Create the Creamy Finish:

  1. If using flour, whisk it with a small amount of heavy cream to create a slurry.
  2. Slowly stir in the heavy cream (and flour mixture, if using). Let the soup simmer for another 5–10 minutes until thickened.

6️⃣ Optional Parmesan Boost:

  1. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory flavor.

7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Rich and Creamy: A luxurious texture thanks to the heavy cream.
  • Hearty and Wholesome: Protein-packed chicken, nutrient-rich vegetables, and nutty wild rice make this a complete meal.
  • Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Save Time: Use rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time.
  • Control Thickness: Simmer longer for a thicker soup or add a bit more broth for a thinner consistency.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Gently reheat on the stove to maintain creaminess.

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup will transform how you think about homemade comfort food. Each bowl is a hug in soup form, perfect for chilly nights or anytime you need a little extra coziness in your life!

Leave a Comment