Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients

For about 6 servings, you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for extra thickness)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms

1. In a large soup pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent and vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5–7 minutes, allowing them to release their moisture and develop a rich, earthy flavor.

Step 2: Season and Add Broth

1. Sprinkle in thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
2. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Cook the Wild Rice

1. Rinse wild rice under cold water.
2. Add the wild rice to the boiling broth and reduce the heat to simmer.
3. Cover the pot and cook for 40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender but still slightly chewy.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Cream

1. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. If using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, it will add extra flavor.
2. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously.
3. Optional: For a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons flour with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the soup. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

• Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
• If you like a slightly thinner soup, add a splash of chicken broth or water.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra richness.
• Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Soup

• Mushroom choice matters: Cremini or shiitake mushrooms provide deeper flavor.
• Cook rice separately: If you want to store leftovers, cook the rice separately to avoid overcooking and turning mushy when reheating.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
• Flavor boost: Add a splash of white wine with the mushrooms for a gourmet touch.

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and savory mushrooms create a satisfying comfort food experience. With each spoonful, you’ll enjoy a creamy, hearty warmth that’s perfect for any chilly day.

If you want, I can also write a version that’s quicker to make in under 30 minutes, keeping it creamy and delicious without sacrificing flavor.

Do you want me to do that?