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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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