Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a cozy, hearty dish packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, nutty wild rice, and a rich, creamy broth. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and makes a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner. With simple ingredients and one-pot convenience, this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Comforting – Creamy, velvety texture with deep, savory flavors.
• One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
• Protein & Fiber-Packed – A balanced meal with chicken, mushrooms, and wild rice.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
• Customizable – Adjust the creaminess, spice level, or add extra veggies.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breast (or thighs), cooked and shredded
• Wild rice blend
• Mushrooms, sliced (baby Bella, cremini, or white)
• Carrots, diced
• Celery, diced
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Olive oil
• Dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper
• Bay leaf
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the rice – In a medium saucepan, cook the wild rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables – In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add mushrooms & garlic – Stir in the mushrooms and garlic, cooking until fragrant and mushrooms are tender.
4. Make the roux – Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to create a thick base.
5. Add broth & seasonings – Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add chicken & rice – Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked wild rice. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Make it creamy – Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through without boiling.
8. Serve & enjoy – Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
• Vegetarian Version – Replace chicken with chickpeas or extra mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
• Extra Protein – Add white beans or diced turkey for a heartier soup.
• Low-Carb Alternative – Substitute wild rice with cauliflower rice.
• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even easier. Just shred and add it to the soup.

What kind of mushrooms work best?

Baby Bella, cremini, or white mushrooms all work great. Use a mix for extra depth of flavor.

Can I use a different rice?

Yes, but wild rice adds a nutty flavor and holds up well in the broth. Brown rice or a rice blend can be substituted.

How do I make this soup thicker?

Increase the flour in the roux or let the soup simmer longer to reduce.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the cream at the end.

What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple green salad pair beautifully with this dish.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux or thicken with cornstarch.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Add it at the end over low heat and avoid boiling the soup after adding dairy.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the soup will be less rich. Half-and-half is a good compromise.

How can I enhance the flavor?

Try adding a splash of white wine or a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or cozy meals at home. With its rich, velvety broth, tender chicken, and hearty rice, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of homemade warmth!

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