Easy Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Comfort wafts through my kitchen whenever I stir this hearty chicken mushroom wild rice soup.

Earthy aromas dance from the pot, signaling warmth and nourishment.

Wild grains mingle with tender chicken pieces, creating a symphony of textures.

Mushrooms bring depth and richness to each spoonful, promising a satisfying meal.

Herbs and seasonings weave their magic, lifting the soup beyond ordinary expectations.

Simmering slowly, the ingredients communicate a story of home-cooked goodness.

FAQs

• Is wild rice different from regular rice?

Wild rice is actually a grass seed, not a true rice. It’s more nutritious, with a chewy texture and nutty flavor, packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants compared to white or brown rice.

• Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Yes, you can substitute button, shiitake, or cremini mushrooms. Each variety will bring a unique flavor profile to the soup while maintaining a delicious earthy taste.

• How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The pieces should be white throughout with no pink centers, and juices should run clear when cut.

• What makes wild rice take longer to cook?

Wild rice has a tough outer hull and dense grain structure, requiring more cooking time and liquid to become tender. It typically needs 40-45 minutes of simmering to reach the right texture and softness.

Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup That Feels Like a Hug

• Savor Simplicity: Cozy Wild Rice Soup Magic offers easy weeknight comfort with minimal prep time.
• Quick Kitchen Win: Prepare this hearty soup in under an hour, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious, satisfying meals.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Boost: Packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutritious wild rice, this recipe appeals to both adults and kids at the dinner table.
• Meal Prep Champion: Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this soup an excellent option for make-ahead lunches or stress-free dinner planning.

Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup – What It Contains

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty substance to the soup, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for even cooking.
• Mushrooms: Earthy flavor enhancer that provides rich umami depth, select fresh white or cremini mushrooms for best texture.

• Onion: Aromatic foundation that provides sweet undertone, white or yellow varieties work best.
• Garlic: Sharp flavor booster that creates depth, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat for sautéing ingredients, extra virgin recommended for better flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Primary liquid that creates soup's consistency, low-sodium versions allow better salt control.
• Wild Rice: Nutty whole grain that adds texture and nutrition, blend of black and brown wild rice gives complex flavor.
• Thyme: Herb that provides subtle earthy undertones, fresh thyme sprigs offer more intense flavor.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer, kosher or sea salt recommended.
• Black Pepper: Mild spice that adds gentle heat, freshly ground provides superior taste.

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious element that creates rich and smooth texture, full-fat version provides best consistency.

Chicken Mushroom Soup with Wild Rice Cooking Tips

Step 1: Sizzle the Aromatics

Warm up a spacious pot with olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and crushed garlic, letting them dance and soften until they release their incredible fragrance and turn translucent.

Step 2: Transform the Protein and Fungi

Drop diced chicken into the pot, allowing each piece to brown beautifully and cook completely through.

Add sliced mushrooms and let them mingle and release their rich, earthy juices for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Hearty Base

• Wild rice
• Chicken broth
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently lower the heat.

Let the soup simmer quietly, allowing the wild rice to soften and absorb all the delicious flavors for 40-45 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Luxurious Creaminess

Swirl heavy cream into the soup, warming it gently without letting it boil.

This creates a silky, rich texture that hugs each spoonful.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into welcoming bowls.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and promise of comfort.

Hearty Soup Tips for Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice

• Choose a high-quality wild rice blend for richer texture and more complex flavor profile.
• Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and maintain tender, juicy meat throughout the soup.
• Sauté mushrooms separately before adding to develop deeper, more concentrated umami flavors and reduce excess moisture.
• Adjust broth quantity based on desired thickness, adding more liquid if soup becomes too dense during simmering.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.

Keep Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Warm

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
• Gently warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.

Sips and Sides for Wild Rice Soup

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Elevate your Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup experience with these perfect pairings.
• Crusty Artisan Bread: Slice a warm, rustic sourdough or whole grain baguette to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add delightful texture contrast.
• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a buttery Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to complement the soup's earthy mushroom and tender chicken notes, cutting through the creamy richness.
• Fresh Green Salad: Toss a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty profile and add a refreshing, tangy element to your meal.

Wild Rice Soup Mushroom Pairings

• Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy texture without dairy. Use plant-based broth to keep the recipe completely dairy-free.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra mushrooms for protein and depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute wild rice with cauliflower rice or riced turnips. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional content while keeping carbohydrates low.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce if added, and verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.

Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken mushroom wild rice soup brings woodland comfort to your winter table. Rich Minnesota-inspired flavors blend perfectly, delivering warmth and satisfaction in each creamy spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced

Vegetables and Grains:

• 1 cup (185g) wild rice
• 2 cups (150g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom. Gently introduce finely chopped onions and delicate garlic, transforming them until they become translucent and aromatic.
2. Introduce cubed chicken pieces into the fragrant base, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich golden exterior. Incorporate sliced mushrooms, enabling them to dance and release their earthy essence, creating a deep, complex flavor profile.
3. Cascade wild rice into the bubbling mixture, followed by a generous pour of robust chicken broth. Sprinkle dried thyme, season with salt and freshly cracked pepper, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients. Activate a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing the rice to soften and absorb the surrounding liquid for approximately 40-45 minutes.
4. As the rice reaches perfect tenderness, drizzle in velvety heavy cream, gently stirring to integrate without disrupting the soup’s delicate temperature. The cream will transform the liquid into a luxuriously smooth consistency.
5. Carefully ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls, presenting a comforting masterpiece that promises warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Notes

• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the soup.
• Toast wild rice briefly before adding to broth to enhance its nutty flavor and improve overall taste profile.
• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Quickly chop chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 414
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 82mg