Cozy Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Steaming bowls of comfort emerge when chicken mushroom wild rice soup meets culinary creativity.

Hearty ingredients dance together in a rich, creamy melody of flavors.

Wild rice adds a delightful nutty texture that elevates every spoonful.

Tender chunks of chicken mingle with earthy mushrooms, creating a warm embrace on chilly days.

Herbs and spices weave through the broth, enhancing each delectable bite.

This recipe promises a soul-warming experience that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Prepare to savor every comforting spoonful of this delicious soup.

Why Chicken Wild Rice Soup Is So Comforting

• Comfort in a Bowl: Savor the ultimate hearty and nurturing soup that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for pleasing everyone at the dinner table, this soup offers delicious flavors that appeal to both kids and adults with its mild, comforting taste.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Simplify your meal preparation with straightforward steps that require minimal cooking skills, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Nutritious One-Pot Dish: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber-rich wild rice, and nutrient-dense mushrooms, this soup delivers a balanced and satisfying meal in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing nutrition.

What You Need for Mushroom Rice Soup

• Chicken: A tender and lean protein that adds heartiness to the soup.

• Wild Rice: A nutty and nutritious grain with a delightful chewy texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavor-packed base ingredients that create a delicious foundation.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and rich fungi that bring depth to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the soup's comforting base.
• Heavy Cream: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and smoothness.
• Thyme: A fragrant herb that provides subtle, warm notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil for sautéing ingredients.

• Fresh Herbs: A bright and fresh finishing touch for added aroma.

How to Make Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic.

Sauté until they become soft and release a delightful aroma, which takes around 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Add diced chicken pieces to the pot.

Cook until each piece develops a golden-brown exterior, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Ensure the chicken is evenly cooked and looks deliciously caramelized.

Step 3: Introduce Earthy Mushrooms

Fold sliced mushrooms into the pot.

Allow them to dance and release their natural moisture while developing deep, rich flavors.

Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Build the Soup Foundation

• Wild rice
• Chicken broth
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, stirring gently to incorporate all ingredients.

Step 5: Slow and Steady Cooking

Reduce heat to low after boiling.

Let the soup simmer uncovered for 40-45 minutes.

The wild rice should become tender and plump.

Stir periodically to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Finish with Creamy Luxury

Pour heavy cream into the soup.

Warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve immediately, with optional fresh herb garnish.

Pro Tips for a Creamy, Savory Soup

• Choose a high-quality wild rice blend for the best texture and nutty flavor, ensuring a more authentic and delicious soup experience.
• Cut chicken into uniform pieces and avoid prolonged cooking to maintain moisture and tenderness, keeping the meat juicy and soft.
• Sauté mushrooms until they release their moisture and develop a rich, caramelized flavor, which adds complexity and richness to the soup's taste profile.
• Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick during simmering, and let it simmer uncovered to naturally reduce and concentrate flavors without diluting the soup's essence.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free broth to accommodate different dietary restrictions.

How to Store and Enjoy This Soup Later

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Pour soup into saucepan, heat over medium-low temperature, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if soup appears too thick.
• Place soup in microwave-safe bowl, cover with microwave-safe lid. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Pairing Ideas for Wild Rice Soup

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Chardonnay with buttery undertones to complement the creamy soup and earthy mushroom flavors.
• Bread Companion: Serve warm crusty sourdough bread with herbed butter to provide a delightful textural contrast and soak up the rich broth.
• Hearty Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with goat cheese and toasted walnuts to balance the soup's richness and add fresh crunch.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Pour a light wheat beer or dry Riesling to cut through the soup's creaminess and enhance the overall dining experience.

Twists on Classic Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Vegetarian Wild Rice Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use certified gluten-free wild rice and ensure all broth and seasoning ingredients are gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute wild rice with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate option that maintains the soup's creamy texture and rich flavors.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Soup: Exchange heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a lactose-free version that still provides a smooth, velvety consistency.

FAQs

• Is wild rice different from regular rice?

Wild rice is actually a grass seed native to North America, not a true rice. It has a chewy texture, nutty flavor, and higher protein content compared to white or brown rice.

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

Yes, you can substitute button, cremini, shiitake, or a mix of mushrooms. Each variety will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the soup.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or coconut milk, use skinless chicken breast, and add extra vegetables like carrots or celery to boost nutritional value.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check broth labels to confirm, as some brands might contain gluten-based additives.

Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting chicken mushroom wild rice soup delivers hearty warmth straight from Minnesota’s kitchen. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this wholesome, soul-satisfying classic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup (180 grams) wild rice
• 2 cups (170 grams) mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Liquids and Oils:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, introducing finely diced onions and crushed garlic. Allow aromatics to soften and release their fragrant essence, transforming into a translucent golden base.
2. Introduce cubed chicken pieces into the aromatic foundation, rotating methodically to ensure uniform caramelization and sealed-in moisture. Cook until exterior develops a rich, golden-brown complexion.
3. Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the protein-rich mixture, enabling them to release natural liquid and intensify the soup’s earthy undertones. Gently maneuver ingredients to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
4. Carefully pour chicken broth into the developing mixture, integrating wild rice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Elevate heat to generate a vigorous boil, ensuring all ingredients commingle harmoniously.
5. Reduce thermal intensity to a gentle simmer, allowing liquid to gradually transform and rice kernels to soften. Maintain occasional stirring to prevent potential bottom scorching and promote consistent texture.
6. Gently fold heavy cream into the bubbling concoction, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency. Allow brief thermal integration to marry flavors, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Ladle the steaming soup into serving vessels, optionally embellishing with delicate fresh herb sprinkles for visual and aromatic enhancement.

Notes

• Swap wild rice for quinoa or brown rice to create a gluten-free and more accessible version of the soup for those with dietary restrictions.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce fat content and add a tangy protein boost while maintaining creamy texture.
• Enhance umami flavors by adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of dried porcini mushroom powder during cooking to intensify the earthy mushroom profile.
• Prep vegetables and chicken in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce overall meal preparation time, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 840 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 97 mg