Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a rich and hearty meal that brings together earthy mushrooms, tender chicken, and flavorful wild rice in a creamy broth. It’s a comforting dish perfect for cooler days, offering a balance of vegetables, protein, and whole grains.
This soup is both filling and satisfying, with a hint of Parmesan cheese adding depth to the creamy base. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this soup is sure to please.
How to make Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup wild rice (or a blend of rice including wild rice)
1 1/2 cups chicken, cooked and diced or shredded
1 cup milk or cream
1 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Melt the butter in a pan over medium-high heat, add the mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms have released their liquids and the liquid has evaporated, about 10-15 minutes, before setting aside.
Melt the butter in the pan, add the onions, carrots and celery and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Mix in the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
Add the broth, rice, chicken and mushrooms, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the rice is tender, about 20-30 minutes.
Mix in the milk and cheese and cook until the cheese has melted, before seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the kind of rice that you use. if the package that says to cook the rice for more or less time, go with that time.
Option: Soak 1 ounce of dried mushrooms in 1 cup of just boiled water for 20 minutes before chopping the mushrooms and adding along with the garlic and adding the mushroom water along with the broth for an even more intense mushroom flavour!
Option: Add 2 tablespoons white miso paste in step 5 before seasoning with salt and pepper.
Notes:
Mushroom Variety: Feel free to use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, button, or even shiitake for added depth of flavor.
Wild Rice Blend: A wild rice blend will add texture and color to the soup, but you can use only wild rice if preferred. Cooking times may vary based on the type of rice.
Chicken Options: You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook the chicken fresh. Shredded or diced chicken works well for this recipe.
Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute milk or half-and-half for cream. If you prefer a richer soup, stick with heavy cream.
Vegetarian Alternative: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken for a delicious vegetarian version.
Thickening the Soup: If you want the soup to be thicker, add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the soup in the last few minutes of cooking.
Cheese Substitutes: Parmesan adds a nutty flavor, but feel free to substitute it with another hard cheese like Gruyère or Pecorino Romano.
Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors develop well overnight, making it a great meal prep option.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken upon cooling; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Garnishes: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be used as a garnish for extra flavor and color. A drizzle of truffle oil would add a gourmet touch.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories 443, Fat 20g (Saturated 9g, Trans 0.2g), Cholesterol 65mg, Sodium 676mg, Carbs 38g (Fiber 3g, Sugars 10g), Protein 27g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of rice in Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?
Yes, you can use a different rice variety or a rice blend, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. Adjust accordingly.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this recipe.
Simply shred or dice it and add to the soup.
Can I make Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and reheat it.
However, it’s recommended to add the milk and cheese just before serving for the best texture.
Is it possible to freeze this soup?
While you can freeze the soup, the texture of dairy-based soups may change upon thawing.
Consider adding fresh milk and cheese when reheating.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Certainly! Vegetable broth is a suitable substitute, making this soup vegetarian-friendly.
What is a good alternative to thyme in this recipe?
Rosemary or sage can be excellent substitutes for thyme, providing a similar earthy flavor to complement the mushrooms.
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes, you can experiment with various mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for different textures and flavors.
Can I skip the Parmesan cheese in Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?
While Parmesan adds a rich flavor, you can omit it or replace it with another cheese of your choice.
What’s the difference between wild rice and regular rice?
Wild rice has a distinct nutty flavor and a chewy texture compared to regular rice.
It also takes longer to cook.
Can I use half-and-half instead of milk or cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a creamier texture.
Adjust the quantity based on your preference for richness.