Description
This creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice soup offers a comforting blend of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup is easy to make on the stovetop and combines fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a luscious creamy finish. Ideal as a warming lunch or dinner, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Proteins & Dairy
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Pantry & Staples
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms and Herbs: Stir in sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown, enhancing flavor.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and mushrooms, stirring continuously to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, ensuring a smooth soup base.
- Incorporate Broth and Rice: Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add wild rice blend and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45–50 minutes until the rice is tender and cooked through.
- Finish Soup: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, half-and-half, and heavy cream. Simmer uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the soup to thicken slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with additional half-and-half or whole milk.
- This soup stores well and flavors deepen after refrigeration; tastes great reheated the next day.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and to save preparation time.
- For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch to thicken the soup.
