Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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:
  • Chicken: Shredded meat provides hearty protein and substance to the soup.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy sliced fungi that add depth and rich umami flavor.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic base ingredients that build foundational flavor for the soup.
  • Thyme, Rosemary: Dried herbs that contribute warm, woodsy notes to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
Liquid and Base Components:
  • Wild Rice: Nutty whole grain that adds texture and nutritional value to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that creates the soup's fundamental liquid base.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides creamy richness and smooth texture to the soup.
  • White Wine: Optional ingredient that adds subtle complexity to the flavor profile.
Additional Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for final fresh touch and visual appeal.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing ingredients and preventing sticking.

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:
  • Wild rice
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • White wine (optional)

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

  • Select High-Quality Mushrooms: Choose fresh, firm mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for deeper, richer flavor and better texture in the soup.
  • Prevent Rice Clumping: Rinse wild rice thoroughly before adding to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the soup.
  • Boost Protein Flexibility: Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, tofu, or plant-based protein for diverse dietary needs and preferences.
  • Control Soup Consistency: Add extra chicken broth if soup becomes too thick during simmering, maintaining desired creamy yet pourable texture.
  • Enhance Herb Depth: Toast dried thyme and rosemary briefly in the pot before adding liquid to release more intense, aromatic flavors.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

  • Vegetarian Wild Rice Soup: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream, maintaining the soup's rich texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant diners.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute wild rice with cauliflower rice or riced turnips, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the soup's hearty flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking broth and any added seasonings to make the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc with subtle oak notes to complement the creamy soup's richness and enhance the mushroom's earthy flavors.
  • Serve Crusty Artisan Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the luxurious soup, adding textural contrast and capturing every delicious drop.
  • Match Fresh Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's creaminess, providing a bright, peppery counterpoint to the hearty dish.
  • Recommend Herb-Roasted Almonds: Sprinkle toasted almonds with rosemary and thyme as a crunchy side garnish, echoing the soup's herbal undertones and adding protein-rich texture.

Storage Tips for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream, as it may separate when thawed.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if it has thickened.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Check temperature to ensure even warming.

FAQs About Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

  • What makes wild rice different from regular rice?

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.

  • Can I use other types of mushrooms in this soup?

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.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

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

  • Create Comforting Warmth: This creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice soup wraps you in a cozy culinary hug, perfect for soothing your soul on any day.
  • Master Hearty Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken, wholesome wild rice, and nutrient-rich mushrooms, this soup delivers a balanced meal in one delicious bowl.
  • Craft Restaurant-Quality Meal: Professional-level flavors come together easily, making you feel like a gourmet chef without complex cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple swaps like vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or adding extra herbs to match your taste preferences.
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Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Introduce sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to brown and release their rich earthy flavors.
  3. Incorporate shredded chicken and briefly warm through for 2 minutes, blending the proteins seamlessly.
  4. Pour in wild rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, and optional white wine, creating a luxurious liquid base.
  5. Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary into the mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
  6. 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.
  7. Periodically stir the soup to prevent rice from adhering to pot bottom and ensure even cooking throughout.
  8. Taste and fine-tune seasoning as needed, allowing flavors to meld and develop depth.
  9. When rice is perfectly cooked and soup has slightly thickened, remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
  10. 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

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

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.

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