EASY TO COOK

🍄 Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Bowl of Comfort and Flavor! 🍗

by

Introduction:
Indulge in a warm, comforting bowl of this Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice in a velvety, savory broth, this soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days and cozy nights.

⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 40 minutes

⏲ Total Time: 1 hour

🍽 Servings: 6

🔥 Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal

🍄 Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 🥕 2 carrots, diced
  • 🌿 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 🧅 1 large onion, diced
  • 🧄 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 🍄 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
  • 🥩 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience)
  • 🍚 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
  • 🍗 6 cups chicken broth
  • 🍶 1 cup heavy cream
  • 🌿 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
  • 🍃 1 bay leaf
  • 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 🧴 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

For Garnish:

  • 🌿 Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

📝 Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
  • In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned.
  1. Build the Soup Base:
  • Add the rinsed wild rice, chicken broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer. If you’re using raw chicken pieces instead of pre-cooked, add them now and let the soup simmer for about 35 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  • If using pre-cooked chicken, add it after the wild rice has softened.
  1. Finish with Cream:
  • Once the wild rice is tender and (if added raw) the chicken is cooked through, stir in the heavy cream.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  1. Garnish and Serve:
  • Remove the bay leaf (and thyme sprigs if using fresh).
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
  • Serve warm and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness!

🤩 Why You’ll Love This Soup:

  • Hearty & Nourishing: Packed with protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense vegetables, and wholesome wild rice, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
  • Creamy Comfort: The velvety broth, enriched with heavy cream, delivers a luxurious texture and rich flavor that warms you from the inside out.
  • Earthy Flavors: The combination of sautéed mushrooms and aromatic herbs creates an earthy, satisfying taste perfect for any season.
  • Perfect Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.

💡 Tips:

  • Mushroom Magic: Sauté the mushrooms until well-browned to intensify their earthy flavor.
  • Chicken Choice: For a quicker option, use leftover rotisserie chicken. If using raw chicken, add it early and shred it after cooking for enhanced flavor.
  • Creamy Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with half & half for a lighter version without compromising on creaminess.
  • Rice Rinse: Rinse wild rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities and excess starch.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Enjoy your Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup—a bowl of hearty, comforting goodness that’s perfect for warming up on a cool day!