Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice in a creamy broth. The soup is full of flavor, with the wild rice adding a hearty texture and the mushrooms bringing an umami depth. The cream adds a velvety finish, making each spoonful feel indulgent and satisfying. It’s the perfect soup for cozy evenings.
I first made this soup when I was craving something hearty and creamy but still light enough for a weeknight meal, and it quickly became a family favorite. The chicken was juicy and tender, the mushrooms were rich and savory, and the wild rice added a delightful texture that made every bite satisfying. The creaminess tied everything together without feeling too heavy, making it the ideal comfort food.
What’s great about Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is how flexible it is. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal, or throw in extra vegetables like carrots or celery for more flavor. It’s easy to make in big batches, and leftovers taste even better the next day. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, this soup is sure to be a hit!
Perfect for:
- Cold winter nights
- Family dinners
- Cozy gatherings
- Weeknight meals
- Mushroom lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup will become a staple in your recipe collection:
- Hearty and Filling: With chicken, wild rice, and vegetables, this soup is a full meal in a bowl.
- Rich, Creamy Broth: The combination of cream and chicken broth creates a comforting, indulgent base.
- Earthy Mushroom Flavor: Mushrooms lend an earthy depth to the soup that elevates the overall taste.
- Nutty Wild Rice: The wild rice adds a unique, nutty flavor and chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.
- One-Pot Wonder: This soup is made in one pot for easy prep and cleanup.
- Perfectly Seasoned: The herbs and spices enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to fit dietary preferences or use up leftovers.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup only gets better the next day, making it an excellent meal prep option.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for a future meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread, for serving
Ingredient Highlights
- Wild Rice: Adds a chewy, nutty texture that complements the creamy soup base.
- Mushrooms: Provide an earthy flavor that enriches the overall taste of the soup.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the soup silky and indulgent.
- Cooked Chicken: The protein-packed addition makes this soup both satisfying and nourishing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Soup Base:
- Cook Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the mushrooms to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until they release their moisture and begin to soften.
- Add Broth and Rice: Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the cooked wild rice. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Chicken and Cream: Stir in the cooked chicken and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until heated through.
- Season: Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread on the side.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup:
- As a Cozy Dinner: Serve with a side of warm, buttered bread for the ultimate comforting meal.
- With a Green Salad: Pair with a light salad of mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
- For Meal Prep: Divide the soup into individual portions and store in the fridge for a quick, easy meal throughout the week.
- With Garlic Bread: For extra indulgence, serve with garlic bread on the side.
- As a Starter: Serve as a first course at a dinner party alongside other hearty dishes.
- For Lunch: Perfect for a filling and nutritious lunch, especially when paired with a side of fruit.
- With Fresh Herbs: Add extra fresh herbs such as thyme or chives as a garnish for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top for an added savory touch.
- With a Warm Drink: Enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee to complete a cozy meal experience.
- As a Make-Ahead Meal: This soup stores well in the fridge, so make it in advance for easy meals later.
Additional Tips
- Thicken the Soup: For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup base and then stir it back into the pot.
- Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great recipe to use up any leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts.
- Adjust the Rice: If you prefer more rice in your soup, simply add an extra ½ cup to suit your taste.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian soup.
- Add Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken and Barley Soup: Replace the wild rice with pearl barley for a slightly different texture.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Creamy Mushroom and Beef Bacon Soup: For extra flavor, cook some beef bacon and crumble it into the soup just before serving.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream and omit the chicken.
- Herbed Version: Add fresh herbs like dill or basil for a fresh, aromatic twist.
Special Equipment
- Large Soup Pot: For making the soup base and simmering the ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the soup and sautéing the vegetables.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
FAQ Section
- Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, but wild rice adds a distinct texture and flavor that is hard to replicate with white rice. - How long does the soup last in the fridge?
It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. - Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. - Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) makes this recipe even quicker. - How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add potatoes, zucchini, or peas for added variety. - How can I make the soup thicker?
You can thicken it by blending part of the soup or adding a bit more rice. - Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup keeps well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day. - Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or milk, but the soup will be less creamy. - What bread is best for serving?
A crusty French baguette, sourdough, or even garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment.
Conclusion
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty, and rich soup that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and wholesome wild rice in a creamy broth. The depth of flavor from the mushrooms and the nutty wild rice pairs beautifully with the savory chicken, while a creamy base of milk or cream creates a smooth, velvety texture that makes each spoonful feel like a warm hug. This soup is the perfect balance of rich, earthy, and comforting flavors, ideal for chilly evenings.
What makes this soup so special is its heartiness and the perfect blend of flavors—tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and chewy wild rice in a luxuriously creamy broth. You can customize it with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add a little garlic for extra depth. It’s a satisfying meal on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.
I can’t wait to see how your Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup turns out! Snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made it your own—I’d love to hear about your personal twist on this comforting classic!