Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this hearty mushroom chicken and wild rice soup.

Rich, velvety textures mingle with earthy wild rice that adds depth to each delightful bite.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among plump mushrooms, creating a symphony of flavors that warm from the inside out.

Savory herbs and creamy broth promise a soul-soothing experience in every ladle.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Home cooks will find this soup surprisingly easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Grab a bowl and let deliciousness do the talking.

Flavor Variations for Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free version that's rich in flavor.
  • Vegetarian Venture: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to create a plant-based protein-packed soup.
  • Gluten-Free Garden: Use cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of wild rice, ensuring the dish remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining a hearty texture.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrition and reduce carbohydrate content.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Mushroom Chicken Soup

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  • Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a crusty artisan bread for soaking up the delicious broth and adding a delightful crunch.
  • Wholesome Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy soup and add some fresh texture.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with extra shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon bits for added protein and a flavor-packed garnish that will make the dish even more satisfying.
  • Winter Warmth Enhancer: Enjoy this soup by the fireplace with a glass of light white wine like Chardonnay, which complements the creamy mushroom flavors perfectly.

Storing Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with milk and cheese for best texture.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of broth or water to restore creamy consistency if needed.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute wild rice with brown rice or long-grain white rice, but cooking times may slightly vary.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your cheese is gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels.

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! The soup reheats well and can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  • How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Add more chicken or include additional protein like cooked quinoa or lentils to boost the protein content.

Why Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Is So Good

  • Savor Hearty Comfort: Dive into a bowl of rich, creamy goodness that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-soothing meal.
  • Master Easy Cooking: Whip up this restaurant-quality soup with simple steps and basic ingredients, making it a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels to create a delicious dinner.
  • Nutrition Packed Meal: Loaded with protein from chicken, vegetables, and wild rice, this soup delivers a balanced and wholesome dish that keeps you full and energized.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pot recipe that combines all ingredients seamlessly, saving you time and effort while maximizing flavor.

Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that provides a hearty base for the soup.
  • Wild Rice: Nutty and textured grain that adds substance and nutrition to the dish.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy and flavorful fungus that brings depth to the soup's taste profile.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic aromatic trio that creates a flavorful foundation for the soup.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste and aroma.
  • Thyme: Fragrant herb that adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the dish.
Dairy and Liquid Components:
  • Butter: Rich ingredient used for sautéing and adding a creamy texture.
  • Milk: Smooth liquid that contributes to the soup's creamy consistency.
  • Cheese: Melty component that provides richness and a tangy flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Savory liquid base that brings depth and moisture to the soup.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

How to Prepare Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms

In a spacious pan over medium-high heat, melt butter and add mushrooms.

Cook the mushrooms patiently until they release their natural moisture and the liquid completely evaporates, which typically takes 10-15 minutes.

Once done, transfer the mushrooms to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Vegetables

Using the same pan, melt fresh butter and introduce chopped vegetables:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Sauté these vegetables until they become tender and develop a soft, translucent appearance, which usually takes 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

Add minced garlic and fresh thyme to the vegetable mixture.

Stir and cook until the herbs become wonderfully fragrant, which occurs in about a minute.

Step 4: Combine Soup Components

Pour in chicken broth, then add:
  • Wild rice
  • Cooked chicken
  • Prepared mushrooms

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently with a covered lid.

Allow the soup to cook until the rice becomes perfectly tender, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Season

Stir in milk and shredded cheese, cooking until the cheese melts completely.

Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Expert Tips for Creamy Mushroom Chicken Soup

  • Cook mushrooms on medium-high heat until all liquid evaporates, concentrating their rich, earthy flavor and creating a deeper taste profile.
  • Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until tender to release natural sweetness and create a flavorful base for the soup.
  • Use wild rice blend for added texture and nutty flavor, ensuring it's fully cooked and tender before serving.
  • Add milk and cheese off direct heat, stirring continuously to prevent curdling and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper at the end to balance flavors without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
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Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice soup brings rustic warmth to winter dining tables. Hearty ingredients meld together, delivering rich flavors that soothe and satisfy you with each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 1/2 cups chicken (cooked and diced or shredded)
  • 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 1 pound mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 carrots (diced)
  • 2 stalks celery (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (chopped)

Grains and Dairy:

  • 1 cup wild rice (or a blend of rice including wild rice)
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté mushrooms in butter over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes until liquid evaporates, then set aside on a separate plate.
  2. In the same pan, soften onions, carrots, and celery over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until vegetables become translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and thyme, stirring continuously for 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, then incorporate wild rice, cooked chicken, and previously prepared mushrooms.
  5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until rice reaches tender consistency.
  6. Gently stir in milk and shredded cheese, allowing the dairy to melt completely and create a smooth, creamy texture.
  7. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  8. Let the soup rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious profile.

Notes

  • Perfectly sauté mushrooms by waiting until their liquid completely evaporates, concentrating their rich, earthy flavor and creating a deeper caramelized texture.
  • Choose wild rice blends for added nutritional complexity and varied texture, which enhances the soup’s overall depth and visual appeal.
  • Ensure chicken is pre-cooked or shredded for quicker integration and more even distribution throughout the soup, preventing large chunky pieces.
  • Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 264 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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