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Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and chewy wild rice in a velvety, flavorful broth. Perfect for any season, this soup offers a nutritious and satisfying meal that warms the soul and delights the palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces

Grains

  • 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed thoroughly

Vegetables

  • 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped

Liquids & Dairy

  • 6 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Fats

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Herbs & Spices

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop mushrooms, onion, carrots, and celery finely. Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms: In a large pot, melt butter and drizzle in olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until tender and fragrant. Add the mushrooms last, cooking until they release their moisture and develop golden edges.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, sautéing until the chicken turns white and begins to brown slightly on the edges to develop extra flavor.
  4. Add Broth and Wild Rice: Pour in the chicken broth along with fresh thyme or rosemary. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, add the wild rice, cover, and simmer for 40-50 minutes until the rice is tender but still chewy.
  5. Stir in Cream and Adjust Seasoning: Reduce the heat, slowly stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and heat through gently without boiling to keep the texture smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish optionally with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Use day-old chicken broth for a more concentrated flavor.
  • Rinse wild rice thoroughly to prevent excess starch thickening the soup.
  • Sauté mushrooms until golden to unlock rich umami flavors.
  • Add cream off the heat and warm gently to avoid curdling.
  • Let the soup rest a few minutes before serving to meld flavors.
  • Leftovers taste better the next day as flavors develop.
  • Freeze before adding cream for best texture upon reheating.
  • Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy mushroom chicken soup, wild rice soup, comforting chicken soup, hearty soup recipe, gluten free soup