Cozy up with Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup! A hearty, creamy, and flavorful soup loaded with tender chicken, mushrooms, and wild rice.

Introduction

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms your body and soul. This hearty soup combines tender chunks of chicken, earthy mushrooms, nutty wild rice, and a rich, creamy broth. It’s perfect for chilly days, but let’s be honest—you’ll crave this soup year-round.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can prepare it on the stovetop or adapt it for a slow cooker. Packed with nutrients and flavor, it’s a great one-pot meal that’s satisfying enough to serve as dinner. Make a big batch because everyone will ask for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Base:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the carrots and celery and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

2. Cook the Rice:

1. Add the wild rice blend to the pot along with the chicken broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

3. Add the Chicken and Seasonings:

1. Stir in the shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes.

4. Make the Creamy Base:

1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk, cooking until thickened.

5. Combine and Serve:

1. Pour the creamy mixture into the soup pot and stir until well combined.
2. Cook for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

How to Prepare

1. Choose Quality Mushrooms: For a deeper flavor, use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake or portobello.
2. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
3. Make It Dairy-Free: Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings

Serves 6.

FAQs

1. Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, but white rice cooks faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Add extra mushrooms or tofu for protein.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

4. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but the creamy base may separate when thawed. To avoid this, freeze the soup before adding the creamy base. Add it fresh after reheating.

5. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener for the creamy base.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a cozy, hearty dish that’s perfect for any season. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice creates a soup that’s rich in flavor and texture.

Whether you’re serving it as a family meal, a starter for guests, or a comforting lunch, this soup is guaranteed to impress. Make it your own with additional herbs, spices, or toppings like fresh parsley or grated Parmesan. One bowl, and you’ll understand why this soup is a timeless favorite!