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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!