The Best Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Crafting a soul-warming creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice soup transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with comforting aromas.

wild flavors mingle beautifully in this hearty recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Earthy mushrooms dance with tender chicken pieces, creating a symphony of textures and rich tastes.

Wholesome wild rice adds delightful nutty undertones that complement the velvety broth perfectly.

Seasonal ingredients come together seamlessly, making this soup an instant favorite for chilly evenings.

Quick to prepare and deeply satisfying, this recipe offers a nourishing meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Jump in and savor every spoonful of this culinary masterpiece that will quickly become your go-to comfort food.

Mushroom Chicken Rice Soup Simmering Steps

Step 1: Roast Flavor-Packed Mushrooms

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a large bowl and gently tear mushrooms into rustic pieces.

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Lemon zest

Spread this aromatic mixture on a baking sheet.

Roast until mushrooms transform into golden, tender morsels, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 2: Build Hearty Soup Base

• Whole chicken breasts
• Wild rice
• Diced carrots
• Chopped celery
• Sliced shallots
• Chicken broth
• Thyme
• Sage
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

Lower the temperature, cover, and let simmer until chicken is perfectly cooked and rice becomes wonderfully tender, roughly 30-40 minutes.

Step 3: Shred Succulent Chicken

Carefully remove chicken breasts from the pot.

Using two forks, gently pull apart the meat into delicate, soft shreds.

Return the shredded chicken back into the simmering pot.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Richness

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Toss in fresh spinach or kale, letting the greens wilt into the soup for 2-3 minutes, creating a vibrant, velvety texture.

Step 5: Merge Roasted Mushrooms

Fold the previously roasted mushroom mixture into the soup, blending all those incredible layers of flavor.

Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls.

Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, soul-warming meal.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Tricks

• Ensure mushrooms are evenly spread on the baking sheet to achieve perfect caramelization and develop deep, rich flavors during roasting.
• Monitor wild rice closely while simmering to maintain its slightly chewy texture and avoid turning mushy in the soup base.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use low-fat milk to create a lighter, healthier soup without compromising taste.
• Adjust liquid levels by adding extra broth if the soup becomes too thick during cooking, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture throughout.
• Use fresh herbs sparingly to complement the mushroom and chicken flavors without overwhelming the delicate soup profile.

Mushroom Chicken Soup That Stores Smoothly

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping flavors fresh and ingredients intact.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to restore original creamy consistency.
• When reheating individual portions, use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds to prevent separation and maintain smooth texture.

What to Serve With Mushroom Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

• Rustic Red Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir that complements the earthy mushroom flavors and cuts through the creamy texture. Its subtle tannins and berry notes will enhance the soup's rich profile without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
• Herbal White Wine Match: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with herbaceous undertones that mirror the soup's thyme and sage elements. The wine's bright acidity will balance the creamy consistency and highlight the fresh green notes from spinach or kale.
• Craft Beer Accompaniment: Opt for a Belgian-style wheat beer or a mild amber ale that provides a malty backbone to match the wild rice and roasted mushrooms. The beer's subtle carbonation will cleanse the palate between creamy spoonfuls and add a refreshing contrast to the soup's richness.
• Artisan Bread Partner: Serve crusty sourdough or rosemary focaccia alongside the soup for dipping. The bread's crusty exterior and soft interior will soak up the creamy broth, adding textural complexity and helping to round out the meal's flavors.

Mushroom Chicken Soup with Simple Swaps

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, plant-based version.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or white beans, and use vegetable broth to create a hearty meat-free soup that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute wild rice with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's core nutritional elements intact.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking chicken broth and seasonings to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of rice?

You can substitute wild rice with brown rice or long-grain white rice, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust liquid and cooking duration accordingly to ensure proper rice tenderness.

• Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken with firm tofu or additional mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The core flavors will remain rich and satisfying.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. Add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Choose skinless chicken breast to reduce overall fat content.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme.

Why Creamy Mushroom Chicken Soup Feels So Warm

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber from wild rice, and vitamins from mushrooms and greens, this soup delivers a healthy meal in one delicious bowl.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requiring just one pot and simple ingredients, this recipe cuts down cooking time to under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a comforting meal.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Roasted mushrooms and aromatic herbs create a rich, deep taste profile that transforms an ordinary soup into a gourmet experience, making every spoonful incredibly satisfying.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Elevated technique of roasting mushrooms and using fresh herbs elevates this soup from basic to sophisticated, allowing home cooks to enjoy restaurant-style cooking without leaving their kitchen.

Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds heartiness to the soup and provides a tender, mild flavor. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for best results.

• Wild Rice: Nutty, textured grain that adds complexity and nutrition to the soup. Look for long-grain wild rice for better texture.

• Carrots, Celery, Shallots: Classic soup vegetables that provide depth of flavor and nutritional balance. Fresh, crisp vegetables work best.
• Spinach or Kale: Leafy greens that add nutritional boost and vibrant color. Choose fresh, crisp leaves.

• Mushrooms: Earthy, umami-rich ingredient that adds depth to the soup. Select fresh, firm mushrooms with no signs of bruising.

• Rosemary, Thyme, Sage: Aromatic herbs that enhance the soup's complex flavor profile. Fresh herbs provide more intense taste.
• Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds warmth and spice to the soup. Fresh garlic cloves offer the most robust flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste.

• Heavy Cream or Whole Milk: Creates rich, creamy texture. Full-fat versions provide the best flavor and consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes and creamy richness. Freshly grated cheese melts best.

• Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy note that adds freshness. Use fresh lemons for most vibrant flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh, herbaceous garnish. Chop just before serving for maximum flavor.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps roast mushrooms. Unsalted butter gives more control over seas.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice soup offers comfort in a bowl, blending rich flavors from woodland ingredients. Rustic yet elegant, this soup brings warmth to your table with its satisfying blend of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 pounds mixed mushrooms, roughly torn

Grains and Vegetables:

• 1 1/2 cups dry wild rice blend
• 6 carrots, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 medium shallots, chopped
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach or kale
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed

Herbs, Seasonings, and Dairy:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon zest
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare mushrooms by carefully tearing them into rustic pieces, ensuring even sizing for consistent roasting.
2. Toss mushroom pieces with aromatic melted butter, fragrant garlic, earthy rosemary, and bright lemon zest until thoroughly coated.
3. Spread seasoned mushrooms onto a baking sheet in a single layer, allowing enough space between pieces to promote caramelization.
4. Roast mushrooms in a preheated oven until edges turn golden brown and centers become tender, developing deep, concentrated flavors.
5. In a large cooking pot, combine raw chicken breasts, hearty wild rice, diced carrots, chopped celery, and minced shallots with rich chicken broth.
6. Season the liquid base with woodsy thyme, sage, and a subtle hint of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle warmth.
7. Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then reduce heat and allow ingredients to simmer gently, melding flavors and tenderizing the chicken.
8. Once chicken is fully cooked and rice reaches a perfect al dente texture, carefully remove chicken breasts from the pot.
9. Shred chicken using two forks, creating tender, bite-sized pieces that will integrate seamlessly into the soup.
10. Return shredded chicken to the pot and introduce velvety heavy cream and nutty Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a luxurious, creamy consistency.
11. Fold in fresh leafy greens, allowing them to wilt and release their vibrant color and nutrients into the soup.
12. Incorporate the previously roasted mushrooms, gently stirring to distribute their concentrated, caramelized essence throughout the soup.
13. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance and balance the complex flavor profile.
14. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley for a final touch of elegance.

Notes

• Roast mushrooms at high temperature to develop deep, caramelized flavors that enhance the soup’s overall richness.
• Opt for wild mushroom varieties like shiitake or porcini for more complex, earthy undertones in the dish.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk to create a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture and adds subtle sweetness.
• Reduce cooking time for rice by using pre-cooked or quick-cooking wild rice blend, cutting preparation duration by 15-20 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg