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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Add minced garlic and chopped thyme, stirring quickly until aromatic, roughly 45-60 seconds.
- 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.
- Gently incorporate milk or cream and grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until cheese completely melts and soup develops a smooth, creamy consistency.
- 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