Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup should be at the top of your list. This soup is a perfect blend of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and the distinct nutty flavor of wild rice, all brought together with a creamy broth. Whether you’re making it on a chilly autumn evening or for a cozy family meal, this recipe delivers a dish that’s warm, filling, and full of wholesome ingredients.

The beauty of Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup lies in its simplicity, yet it manages to offer layers of flavors. The mushrooms add a deep umami richness, while the wild rice contributes a chewy texture and earthy taste that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Plus, the creamy base holds everything together in a way that’s both satisfying and comforting.

Let’s dive into how you can recreate this mouthwatering dish at home, step-by-step!

Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe

This recipe serves about 6-8 people, making it perfect for a family meal or as leftovers for the next day. The creamy texture, combined with the tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and slightly chewy wild rice, creates a soup that everyone will love. Below is the recipe along with ingredients and instructions to get you started!

Ingredients Needed

Before we start cooking, here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather. The good news is, most of these are pantry staples, while a few fresh ingredients really elevate the dish.

• Chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 lb) – You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Thighs add more flavor and juiciness, while breasts are leaner.
• Wild rice (1 cup) – The true star of this dish. Wild rice is a whole grain that brings a hearty, nutty flavor to the soup.
• Mushrooms (2 cups, sliced) – Button mushrooms, cremini, or a mix of both work wonderfully here. They contribute an earthy depth to the soup.
• Onion (1 medium, diced) – A great base flavor to sauté that adds a bit of sweetness.
• Carrots (2, peeled and diced) – Carrots give the soup a subtle sweetness and pop of color.
• Celery (2 stalks, diced) – Adds a fresh crunch and a mild bitterness that balances out the richness of the cream.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – The garlic adds depth and enhances the savory flavors of the dish.
• Chicken broth (6 cups) – The base liquid. Use a low-sodium version if you’re mindful of salt intake.
• Heavy cream (1 cup) – For that creamy, velvety texture.
• Butter (2 tbsp) – To sauté the vegetables and add richness.
• Flour (2 tbsp) – To create a roux for thickening the soup.
• Thyme (1 tsp, dried or fresh) – This herb gives the soup an aromatic, slightly floral flavor.
• Bay leaves (2) – Adds depth and subtle spice to the soup.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning, of course! Adjust to your taste.
• Parsley (optional, for garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds color and brightness.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients in hand, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make this comforting soup.

1. Prepare the Wild Rice: Start by cooking the wild rice. Rinse it under cold water, then add it to a pot with about 2 ½ cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 35-40 minutes, until the rice is tender but still has some bite. Drain any excess water and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, heat a bit of oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken, set it aside to cool, and once cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the butter and sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and fragrant. This is the base layer of flavor for your soup, so don’t rush this step.
4. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat them evenly. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to form a roux. This will help thicken your soup and create a creamy texture once the liquids are added.
5. Add the Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Once everything is well combined, add in the bay leaves and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Add Mushrooms & Chicken: Stir in the mushrooms and shredded chicken. Continue simmering for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the chicken is heated through.
7. Finish the Soup: Lower the heat, then pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Add the cooked wild rice and let everything heat through for another 5 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve: Remove the bay leaves, ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup has a purpose, and understanding why they’re there makes the recipe even more satisfying.

• Wild Rice: Wild rice isn’t technically rice but a type of grass. It has a distinct chewy texture and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy base of the soup. It’s also a great source of fiber and protein, making the soup more filling and nutritious.
• Mushrooms: Mushrooms, especially cremini or button mushrooms, bring a deep, earthy umami flavor that elevates the soup. They add complexity and richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Heavy Cream: The addition of cream transforms this soup from a simple broth into a velvety, comforting dish. It balances the richness of the chicken and mushrooms and provides the signature creamy texture that makes this soup so indulgent.
• Thyme and Bay Leaves: These two herbs add depth to the soup without being overly dominant. They infuse the broth with subtle, aromatic notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Chicken: Whether you opt for chicken breasts or thighs, the protein adds a satisfying element to the soup. Thighs are especially flavorful and contribute to the richness of the dish.

Expert Tips

• For a Creamier Soup: If you like your soup extra creamy, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or add a bit more cream. For an even thicker texture, try adding some cream cheese during the final stages of cooking.
• Make it Ahead: This soup can be made a day or two ahead of time! In fact, like many soups, the flavors meld and deepen overnight. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
• Add More Vegetables: You can easily add more vegetables to the mix, such as parsnips, leeks, or even some frozen peas. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re tender before serving.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. This saves time on the cooking process and adds extra flavor, especially if you use the skin.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the soup without using wheat-based products.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are a few ways you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of thyme, rosemary or sage can be great substitutions. These herbs bring a slightly different flavor profile but still work beautifully with the chicken and mushrooms.
• Add Spinach or Kale: For extra greens, try adding spinach or kale toward the end of cooking. It adds a fresh, slightly bitter note that complements the richness of the soup.
• Swap the Cream: For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, such as oat or cashew cream.
• Spicy Kick: Want to add some heat? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.

Final Words

Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the earthy mushrooms and wild rice to the creamy broth and tender chicken, every bite is a delight. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or preparing a batch to feed the whole family, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy.