Creamy Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup
When it comes to soul-soothing comfort food, nothing beats a warm bowl of Creamy Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup. This hearty dinner recipe is packed with tender chunks of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice, all simmered together in a rich, creamy broth. It’s exactly what you want to serve on a chilly evening when you need something cozy, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making dinner for the whole family, this soup is a go-to that never disappoints. Let’s walk through how to make it from scratch, plus tips to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 pound mushrooms sliced (cremini, button, or a mix)
- 1 tablespoon butter additional for sautéing
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup wild rice or wild rice blend
- 1½ cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and it evaporates. Set them aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, melt 1 more tablespoon of butter. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8–10 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and thyme and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the wild rice, cooked chicken, and sautéed mushrooms. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 20–30 minutes or until the rice is tender. Cooking time may vary depending on the rice blend used—follow the directions on your rice package for best results.
- Cream It Up: Once the rice is tender, stir in the milk (or cream) and grated Parmesan. Cook for another few minutes until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- Top with extra Parmesan or a swirl of cream for a restaurant-worthy finish.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for brightness.
- Pair with warm crusty bread or a side salad to round out your dinner recipe.