Cozy Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Cozy nights call for a soul-warming creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice soup that wraps you in comfort.
Earthy mushrooms and tender chicken create a hearty melody of flavors dancing through each spoonful.
Nutty wild rice adds delightful texture and depth to this classic comfort dish.
Rich, velvety broth whispers promises of warmth and satisfaction with every delectable bite.
Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of taste that feels both familiar and exciting.
Packed with nutrients and love, this soup becomes more than a meal, it’s a culinary embrace.
Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Proteins:Aromatics and Seasonings:Liquid and Base Components:Additional Optional Garnish:Cooking Fats:Instructions for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and releases its sweet fragrance.
Step 2: Develop Mushroom Depth
Add sliced mushrooms to the pot, allowing them to sizzle and brown. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and develop a rich, caramelized texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Chicken
Fold in shredded chicken, stirring to warm it through and blend with the mushroom and onion mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 4: Build the Soup Foundation
Add the ingredients to create the soup base:Sprinkle in dried thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 40-45 minutes. The wild rice will become tender, and the soup will thicken to a luxurious consistency.
Step 6: Final Touches
Stir the soup occasionally to prevent rice from sticking to the pot bottom. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, balancing the flavors to your preference.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into warm bowls. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and savor the comforting blend of flavors.
Pro Tips for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Flavor Variations for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Storage Tips for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
FAQs About Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Wild rice is actually a grass seed, not a true rice. It’s more nutritious, with higher protein, fiber, and antioxidant content compared to white or brown rice, and offers a nutty, chewy texture.
Yes, you can substitute button, cremini, shiitake, or mixed mushrooms. Each variety will add a unique flavor profile to the soup while maintaining its creamy, rich texture.
The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure no hidden gluten sources are present.
Why Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Is So Comforting
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Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 60-64 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Comforting creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice soup brings rustic warmth to winter dinner tables. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, offering rich layers of flavor you’ll savor with each satisfying spoonful.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 2 cups chicken, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
Grains and Vegetables:
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to brown and release their rich earthy flavors.
- Incorporate shredded chicken and briefly warm through for 2 minutes, blending the proteins seamlessly.
- Pour in wild rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, and optional white wine, creating a luxurious liquid base.
- Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary into the mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Elevate heat to boiling point, then immediately reduce to low, covering the pot to simmer for 40-45 minutes until wild rice reaches tender consistency.
- Periodically stir the soup to prevent rice from adhering to pot bottom and ensure even cooking throughout.
- Taste and fine-tune seasoning as needed, allowing flavors to meld and develop depth.
- When rice is perfectly cooked and soup has slightly thickened, remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment and optimal temperature.
Notes
- Toast wild rice beforehand to enhance its nutty flavor and improve overall soup texture.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy consistency.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save preparation time and add extra flavor depth.
- Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid content – add more broth for thinner soup or simmer longer for thicker result.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-54 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Olivia Brooks
Contributing Writer
Expertise
Education
Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique
Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.