The Coziest Creamy Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Culinary adventures with creamy mushroom chicken wild rice soup can transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with comforting aromas.

Warm memories of hearty meals dance through my mind whenever I prepare this delightful dish.

Rich textures blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of flavors that embrace your senses.

wild rice adds a nutty complexity to each spoonful, making this soup more than just a meal.

Tender chicken and earthy mushrooms mingle perfectly, promising a satisfying experience for hungry souls.

Earthy ingredients come together in a harmonious blend that feels like a gentle hug on a chilly evening.

Savor every moment and let this soup become your new favorite comfort companion.

Top Reasons to Crave Creamy Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Savor Hearty Comfort: Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup delivers pure culinary joy in every spoonful.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe welcomes creative additions like dried mushrooms or miso paste, letting home cooks personalize their dining experience.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Simple one-pot technique means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, perfect for busy families craving delicious meals without complicated preparation.
• Nutrition-Packed Delight: Packed with protein from chicken, vegetables, and wild rice, this soup provides a balanced, wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Ingredients to Gather for Mushroom Chicken Rice Soup

• Wild Rice: A hearty, nutty grain that adds texture and earthy flavor to the soup.
• Chicken: Tender protein that provides a satisfying and filling element to the dish.
• Mushrooms: Adds rich, umami depth and a meaty texture to the soup.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: A classic flavor base that provides a sweet and savory foundation for the soup.
• Garlic, Thyme: Adds aromatic depth and herbal complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Butter, Milk or Cream: Creates a rich, smooth, and creamy texture in the soup.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: Brings a salty, nutty cheese flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavors.

• Dried Mushrooms, Mushroom Soaking Water: Provides an intense, concentrated mushroom flavor.
• White Miso Paste: Adds a deep, umami complexity to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding depth and richness to the overall dish.

Directions for Creamy Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Saute Mushroom Magic

Grab a pan and melt butter over medium-high heat.

Toss in sliced mushrooms and let them dance around until they release their juices and turn golden brown.

This process takes about 10-15 minutes.

Once they’re perfectly caramelized, set them aside.

Step 2: Build Vegetable Foundation

Using the same pan, melt another pat of butter.

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook these veggies until they’re tender and soft, around 8-10 minutes.

Sprinkle in chopped garlic and thyme, stirring until their aroma fills the kitchen, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Create Soup Base

• Wild rice
• Cooked chicken
• Sauteed mushrooms

Bring everything to a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Cover the pot and let it simmer gently until the wild rice becomes beautifully tender, approximately 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Final Flavor Flourish

Stir in milk or cream and grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

Watch the cheese melt into silky smoothness.

Season with salt and pepper to your heart’s content.

Tricks for a Creamy, Hearty Wild Rice Soup

• Let mushrooms cook undisturbed to develop deep, rich caramelization and concentrate their natural umami flavor, creating a more intense taste profile.
• Rinse wild rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure each grain remains separate and fluffy throughout the soup.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor without additional cooking steps.
• Add cream gradually and stir constantly to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture that coats the ingredients perfectly.
• Include dried mushroom soaking liquid for an extra layer of earthy, robust mushroom essence that elevates the entire soup's complexity.

Mushroom Chicken Rice Soup Twists You Can Try

• Vegetarian Mushroom Rice Soup: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap milk/cream with coconut milk or almond milk, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmigiano Reggiano to maintain creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute wild rice with cauliflower rice or riced zucchini, reduce cooking time and add extra mushroom varieties for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Variation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially broth and any added seasonings, verify no wheat-based thickeners are used in preparation.

Serving Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup with Sides

• Cozy Comfort Plating: Ladle the soup into deep, rustic ceramic bowls that showcase its creamy texture and rich colors. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a vibrant green garnish.
• Hearty Bread Companions: Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread, toasted garlic crostini, or warm herb-butter dinner rolls to soak up the delicious broth and add extra texture.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Match this soup with a crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio that complements the creamy mushroom flavors without overpowering the delicate chicken and wild rice combination.
• Seasonal Side Salad: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm, comforting dish.

Keep Your Creamy Mushroom Chicken Soup Fresh Longer

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor integrity.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze flat for optimal storage, lasting up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups for best texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency and prevent scorching. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
• Place soup in microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to ensure uniform warmth.

FAQs

• What type of wild rice works best in this soup?

Long-grain wild rice or a wild rice blend provides the best texture and flavor. These varieties maintain their structure during cooking and add a nutty, earthy taste to the soup.

• Can I use fresh or dried thyme?

Both fresh and dried thyme work well. If using fresh thyme, use about three times more than dried. Fresh thyme offers a brighter flavor, while dried thyme provides a more concentrated herb taste.

• How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even cooked shredded turkey. For vegetarian options, try adding white beans or extra mushrooms for protein boost.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting creamy mushroom chicken wild rice soup brings Wisconsin wilderness warmth to your kitchen. Rich layers of hearty ingredients blend perfectly, delivering a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Poultry:

• 1.5 cups (12 ounces) cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
• 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 pound mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon thyme (chopped)

Dairy, Rice, and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup wild rice (or a blend with wild rice)
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan, grated)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté mushrooms in melted butter over medium-high heat until liquid evaporates and they develop a rich, golden color, approximately 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a separate dish.
2. In the same pan, melt additional butter and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables soften and become translucent, around 8-10 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and thyme, cooking briefly until aromatic.
3. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, then add cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, and previously prepared mushrooms. Increase heat to bring contents to a rolling boil, then reduce temperature, cover, and allow to simmer gently for 20-30 minutes until rice reaches desired tenderness.
4. Gradually blend milk or cream into the soup, stirring continuously. Incorporate grated Parmigiano Reggiano until cheese dissolves completely, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. Enhance flavor profile by optional techniques: steep dried mushrooms in hot water for 20 minutes, then add mushrooms and their concentrated liquid to the soup. Alternatively, whisk white miso paste into the mixture for additional depth and complexity.
6. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Select mushrooms with firm, smooth caps and avoid those with soft or slimy surfaces for the best texture and flavor in your soup.
• Enhance depth by using a mix of mushroom varieties like shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms instead of just one type.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and adjusting salt gradually while tasting the soup during cooking.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting wild rice with quinoa or using certified gluten-free wild rice blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 281 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg