Rustic Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Savory wild rice mingles beautifully with tender chicken in this comforting soup that feels like a warm embrace.

Mushrooms add an earthy depth that makes each spoonful incredibly satisfying.

Home kitchens will buzz with excitement when you start simmering this hearty blend.

Rich cream smooths every ingredient into a luxurious harmony that whispers pure comfort.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become special with such a nourishing bowl waiting.

Fragrant herbs and perfectly cooked chicken elevate this recipe from simple to spectacular.

A single taste will convince you this soup deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation.

Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup That’s Deep and Comforting

Whip Up Comfort: Discover why this Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a winner!

• Quick Weeknight Hero: Packed with simple steps and everyday ingredients, this soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Loaded with protein from chicken, hearty wild rice, and vegetables like carrots and celery, this soup delivers a balanced, wholesome dinner that keeps everyone feeling full and nourished.
• Cozy Crowd-Pleaser: Its creamy texture and rich mushroom flavor make this soup ideal for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or when you need a comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Flexible Meal Prep: Easy to customize with different proteins or vegetables, this recipe allows home cooks to experiment while maintaining its delicious core, making it a versatile staple in any recipe collection.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice Soup What Goes In

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender, cooked protein that adds heartiness to the soup.
• Wild Rice: Nutty whole grain that provides texture and nutritional value.

• Mushrooms, Onion, Carrots, Celery: Flavor-building base that creates depth and complexity in the soup.
• Garlic, Thyme: Aromatic ingredients that enhance overall taste profile.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base and adds savory background flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the soup's overall taste.

Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Wild Rice Soup How-To

Step 1: Sizzle Mushroom Magic

Create deep flavor by melting butter in a pan over medium-high heat.

Toss in sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and become golden brown.

Let them dance in the pan until completely caramelized.

Set the mushrooms aside on a plate.

Step 2: Soften Vegetable Foundation

Using the same pan, melt another pat of butter.

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery

Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and start releasing their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Layers

Sprinkle minced garlic and fresh thyme into the vegetable mixture.

Stir quickly to prevent burning and let the herbs release their incredible fragrance.

Step 4: Build Soup Depth

• Cooked wild rice
• Shredded chicken
• Prepared mushrooms

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Cover and let the soup simmer until rice becomes perfectly tender and flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Enrich and Elevate

Gently stir in milk and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.

Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavor sings.

Wild Rice Soup with Chicken & Mushrooms? Try This

• Sauté mushrooms thoroughly to concentrate their rich, earthy flavor by cooking until all liquid evaporates, creating deeper taste and perfect caramelization.
• Use pre-cooked wild rice to reduce overall cooking time and ensure consistent texture without overcooking the grains.
• Add milk and Parmesan gradually to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky soup consistency.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for versatile dietary needs.
• Customize vegetable mix by adding seasonal produce like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance nutritional value and flavor profile.

Store Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and seal tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the soup's flavor and texture intact.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring maximum freshness.
• Warm soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if needed.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can break down cream and separate ingredients. Gentle stovetop reheating maintains the soup's creamy and rich texture.

Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup Sides

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Choose a lighter Pinot Noir with earthy undertones that complement the mushroom's rich, woodsy flavor and match the soup's creamy texture.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Select a hearty sourdough or rustic wheat bread to soak up the velvety soup, adding delightful crunch and extra depth to each spoonful.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Salad: Create a fresh side of roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and crispy kale to balance the soup's creamy consistency and provide a light, nutritious contrast.
• Enhance with Herbal Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with fresh herbs like parsley and chives, dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and add a bright, zesty element.

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Creamy Twists

• Vegan Mushroom Wild Rice Soup: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth, and swap dairy milk with coconut or almond milk. Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify wild rice is certified gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure all broth and seasonings are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute wild rice with cauliflower rice, reduce carrot quantity, and add extra mushrooms for volume. Use heavy cream instead of milk for richer texture.
• Instant Pot Quick Method: Combine all ingredients except cream in pressure cooker, cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, quick release, then stir in cream and cheese for faster preparation.

FAQs

• Is wild rice different from regular rice?

Wild rice is actually a grass seed, not a true rice. It’s more nutritious, with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

• Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Absolutely! Cremini, shiitake, or a mix of mushrooms work great. Each variety adds a unique depth of flavor to the soup.

• How do I prevent the milk from curdling?

Add milk at the end of cooking and keep the heat low. Stir continuously and avoid boiling to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

• What if I don't have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme is a perfect substitute. Use about one-third the amount of dried compared to fresh herbs for the same flavor intensity.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting winter nights welcome this creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice soup, blending earthy mushrooms with tender chicken in a luxurious broth. Hearty ingredients simmer together, creating a soul-warming meal that wraps you in delicious comfort from first spoonful to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 cup wild rice or a blend
• 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a deep skillet and activate medium-high heat. Gently melt butter, introducing sliced mushrooms and allowing them to caramelize, releasing their intrinsic moisture until liquid completely dissipates, approximately 10-15 minutes.
2. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce additional butter and incorporate diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté vegetables until they soften and develop slight translucency, around 8-10 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic and fresh thyme to the vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to awaken aromatic qualities and distribute flavors evenly, continuing for roughly 1 minute.
4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, carefully folding in wild rice, cooked chicken pieces, and previously caramelized mushrooms. Elevate temperature until liquid reaches a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat.
5. Cover the skillet and allow ingredients to gently simmer, enabling wild rice to tenderize and absorb surrounding flavors, approximately 20-30 minutes.
6. Gradually incorporate milk and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring consistently until cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, smooth consistency.
7. Taste and calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring balanced flavor profile throughout the soup.

Notes

• Enhance mushroom flavor by using a mix of wild and cultivated varieties like shiitake, cremini, and oyster for a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Prevent rice from becoming mushy by using parboiled or pre-cooked wild rice, which maintains better texture during longer cooking times.
• Make the soup gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder when thickening the base.
• Create a lighter version by using half-and-half or coconut milk instead of full-fat milk, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg