Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for quick meals later.
- Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, creamy, and satisfying—perfect for cooler days.
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Loaded with protein, vegetables, and hearty wild rice.
- One-Pot Wonder: Easy to make and requires minimal cleanup.
Tools You’ll Need
- Ladle: To serve the soup.
- Large pot or Dutch oven: For cooking the soup.
- Whisk: For mixing in the cream and flour.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup on a chilly day. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice in a rich, velvety broth, this soup is pure comfort food. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups mushrooms (sliced, any variety)
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 cup wild rice (rinsed and drained)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Chicken
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their juices.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.
Step 2: Cook the Wild Rice
- Stir in the rinsed wild rice and chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and flour until smooth.
- Gradually stir the creamy mixture into the soup, mixing well to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary will add even more flavor.
- Add Extra Veggies: Spinach or kale can be stirred in at the end for an extra boost of greens.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Wild rice has a nice chew; avoid overcooking to keep its texture.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a creamy, dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works great. Add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Q2: Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?
You can, but wild rice adds a unique nutty flavor and chewy texture. If using white rice, reduce the cooking time to 15-20 minutes.
Q3: Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion: Cozy, Creamy, and Irresistible
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a cold day or when you’re craving a bowl of something warm and soothing. Give this recipe a try, and it’ll quickly become a family favorite!
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
Warm up with this creamy, flavorful soup and enjoy every comforting spoonful!