Cozy Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Creamy and comforting, this chicken mushroom wild rice soup blends hearty ingredients into a soul-warming meal.

Woodland mushrooms add an earthy depth that elevates each spoonful with rich, complex flavors.

wild rice provides a delightful nutty crunch that perfectly complements tender chicken pieces.

Sautéed vegetables mingle with a velvety broth, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

The soup comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekend afternoons.

Home cooks will love how simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-quality dish that feels both rustic and elegant.

Warm up your kitchen and your spirit with this nourishing, satisfying soup that promises to become a new family favorite.

Soup-Making Tips for Creamy Comfort Bowls

• Sauté mushrooms until golden brown to enhance their rich, earthy taste and develop deeper umami notes.
• Check wild rice frequently during simmering to ensure it remains perfectly tender and doesn't become mushy.
• Temper the milk or cream before adding to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky consistency.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie, leftover turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for versatile meal prep.
• Adjust liquid amounts or add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup, keeping the delicious flavor profile intact.

Soup Variations to Suit Your Taste Buds

• Vegetarian Mushroom Wild Rice Soup: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Rice Soup: Use certified gluten-free wild rice blend and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Soup: Substitute regular broth with low-sodium chicken broth, reduce salt, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage for a heart-healthy option.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Alternative: Swap milk/cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk, using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy texture without dairy.

Serving Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Warm

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice crusty sourdough or artisan bread, toasted with a light butter spread, perfect for dipping into the rich, creamy soup.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top for a bright, zesty flavor and beautiful green color contrast.
• Cozy Side Salad: Pair with a light mixed green salad featuring crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the soup's rich flavors with a crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Soup Storage and Reheating Suggestions

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups, as cream may separate upon thawing.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if soup has thickened.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat slowly in a pot, whisking to reincorporate any separated ingredients and maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

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

Long-grain wild rice or a wild rice blend are perfect for this recipe. They provide great texture and nutty flavor that complements the chicken and mushrooms.

• Can I use fresh or dried thyme?

Both fresh and dried thyme work well. If using fresh, use about three times more than dried thyme since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• Is it okay to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option that adds rich flavor to the soup. Simply shred the meat and add it during the cooking process.

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

Consider adding extra cooked chicken, or stirring in some white beans or lentils to boost the protein content without changing the soup’s overall character.

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Why It’s Pure Comfort

• Packed with protein from chicken, vegetables, and wild rice, this soup delivers a powerhouse of healthy ingredients that nourish your body.
• Perfect for chilly days or when you need a soul-warming meal that feels like a big, delicious hug from the kitchen.
• Easily customizable with different proteins, vegetables, or cheese types, making it a flexible recipe for creative cooks and picky eaters alike.
• Minimal cleanup required with everything cooked in a single pot, saving time and reducing kitchen mess for busy home chefs.

Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Ingredients Unpacked

• Chicken: Tender, cooked protein that adds heartiness to the soup.
• Wild Rice: Nutty, textured grain that provides substance and earthy flavor.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that builds a rich, deep flavor profile.
• Mushrooms: Earthy fungi that contribute a robust, savory dimension to the soup.
• Garlic, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that enhance the overall depth and complexity of the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base that creates the soup's foundation.
• Milk or Cream: Provides smooth, velvety texture and rich mouthfeel.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy finish and helps create a creamy consistency.

• Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing the soup's overall taste.

Tools and Pots for Wild Rice Soup Cooking

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing mushrooms, cooking vegetables, and simmering the entire soup.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for slicing mushrooms, dicing onions, carrots, and celery.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping of ingredients and garlic.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding butter, garlic, and herbs.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for measuring broth and cream precisely.
• Cheese Grater: Needed to grate fresh parmesan cheese for the soup.

How to Make Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup at Home

Step 1: Prepare Mushroom Magic

Heat a large pot over medium-high flame.

Drop in butter and let it melt completely.

Toss sliced mushrooms into the bubbling butter.

Cook these beauties until they release their juicy goodness and turn golden brown.

The process takes about 10-15 minutes.

Once done, scoop out the mushrooms and set them aside.

Step 2: Sizzle The Vegetable Medley

Using the same pot, melt another dollop of butter.

Tumble in diced onions, carrots, and celery.

Let these veggies dance and soften, releasing their aromatic flavors for around 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Awaken The Aromatics

Sprinkle minced garlic and chopped thyme into the vegetable mix.

Stir quickly to prevent burning, allowing the herbs to become wonderfully fragrant for about a minute.

Step 4: Build The Soup Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot.

Add wild rice, cooked chicken pieces, and those previously sautéed mushrooms.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Cover and let everything simmer gently for 20-30 minutes until rice becomes tender and delicious.

Step 5: Create Creamy Decadence

Introduce milk or cream into the soup.

Shower grated parmesan cheese over the top.

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely, transforming the soup into a luxurious, creamy delight.

Step 6: Final Flavor Touch

Taste the soup carefully.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper until it reaches perfect harmony.

Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich and hearty chicken mushroom wild rice soup celebrates comfort in a bowl, blending tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice. Cozy flavors promise warmth and satisfaction for hungry diners seeking a classic, wholesome meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 cup wild rice (or a blend with wild rice)
• 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat and sauté sliced mushrooms until moisture evaporates and they turn golden brown, approximately 10-15 minutes. Remove mushrooms and set aside.
2. Using the same pot, melt remaining butter and sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and chopped thyme, stirring quickly until aromatic, roughly 45-60 seconds.
4. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, then introduce wild rice, cooked chicken, and previously sautéed mushrooms. Increase heat to bring contents to a rolling boil, then reduce to low and cover, allowing soup to simmer for 20-30 minutes until rice reaches desired tenderness.
5. Gently incorporate milk or cream and grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until cheese completely melts and soup develops a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum flavor and comfort.

Notes

• Enhance mushroom flavor by browning them deeply before setting aside, which develops a rich, nutty taste that elevates the entire soup’s depth.
• Swap wild rice with quinoa or barley for gluten-free or alternative grain options that maintain a similar hearty texture and nutritional profile.
• Create a lighter version by using low-fat milk and reducing cheese quantity, making the soup more diet-friendly without compromising creamy consistency.
• Boost protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or incorporating plant-based protein like white beans for vegetarian adaptation.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg