Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a hug in a bowl, look no further than Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. This luscious recipe is brimming with earthy mushrooms, hearty chicken, and chewy wild rice, all enveloped in a velvety, cheesy broth. It’s the kind of soul-warming dish you want to share with friends on a chilly evening or simply savor on a quiet night in. With rustic flavors and a no-fuss cooking method, this soup is destined to be the comfort food you crave all season long.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making a truly memorable Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup only takes a handful of kitchen staples, but each one plays an important role in the final symphony of flavors and textures. This ingredient list keeps things easy without sacrificing any depth or richness.

• Butter: Adds richness while helping to saute mushrooms and veggies to golden perfection.
• Mushrooms: The star of the show, choose your favorites—cremini, white, or a blend for an extra boost of earthy flavor.
• Onion: Provides a savory-sweet base that enhances every spoonful.
• Carrots: Bring subtle sweetness and gorgeous color to the mix.
• Celery: Offers a little crunch and a fresh undertone to balance the creamy soup.
• Garlic: Just a couple of cloves infuse the soup with a cozy, aromatic depth.
• Thyme: This fragrant herb brings a woodsy aroma that pairs beautifully with mushrooms and chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the savory backbone of the soup, so go for the good stuff!
• Wild Rice (or blend): Adds a hearty, nutty bite and makes every bowl extra satisfying.
• Chicken, cooked: Shredded or diced chicken soaks up the creamy broth and adds protein.
• Milk or Cream: For that luscious, silky texture—choose cream for extra decadence, or milk for a lighter version.
• Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), grated: The cheese deepens the flavor and helps thicken the soup—freshly grated really makes a difference!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your sliced mushrooms and let them cook without stirring too much at first; this helps them brown deeply and amplifies their savory flavor. It’s worth the wait—those golden mushrooms are the heart of this Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Once they’ve released their liquid and it has evaporated, after about 10-15 minutes, scoop them out and set aside.

Step 2: Soften the Vegetables

In the same pot, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until they’re nice and soft, about 8-10 minutes. This classic trio builds a foundation of sweet and savory goodness that makes the soup taste professionally simmered, even though you made it at home!

Step 3: Layer in the Flavors

Add your chopped garlic and fresh thyme to the mix. Stir them around for a minute or so, just until the garlic is fragrant—this step might seem quick but it brings out the oomph in your Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup.

Step 4: Combine the Main Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth, then add wild rice, shredded or diced cooked chicken, and all those beautifully browned mushrooms. Stir everything together and bring it up to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, until the wild rice is chewy-tender and the flavors are mingling happily.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Finish

Now comes the transformation! Stir in the milk or cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan. Let it cook just until the cheese melts completely and the soup turns luxuriously creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This is when your kitchen starts smelling irresistible!

Step 6: Ladle and Serve

Spoon the hot Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup into generous bowls. Each serving will be packed with cozy flavors, hearty chicken, and nutty wild rice. Prepare for lots of “oohs” and “aahs” at the table!

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Garnishes

Garnishing is the fun finishing touch! A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of good olive oil makes the flavors pop and adds that special restaurant-worthy look to your bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup is super hearty on its own, but it’s even better with a thick slice of crusty bread or a homemade biscuit to mop up the creamy broth. A crisp green salad, maybe with apples or walnuts, adds freshness and beautiful contrast to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, serve your Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup in rustic bread bowls or small soup crocks. If you’re hosting, offer an assortment of toppings—like crispy fried shallots or sautéed mushrooms—so everyone can customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Give it a good stir before reheating, as the rice likes to soak up a bit of the broth.

Freezing

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup can be frozen but keep in mind the texture may change slightly as rice and dairy sometimes separate. For best results, freeze without the dairy and stir in the milk or cream when reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftover soup over gentle heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick the next day, simply add a splash of broth or milk to loosen things up. Microwaving in short bursts works too—just stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds fantastic flavor. Just shred or dice it and stir it in when the recipe calls for cooked chicken.

What if I can’t find wild rice?

No need to stress—use a wild rice blend or even just plain brown or white rice. The earthy bite of wild rice is unique, but the soup will still be delicious with what you have on hand.

How do I make this gluten-free?

This soup is naturally gluten-free if you make sure your chicken broth and cheese aren’t processed with gluten. Just skip any optional flour-thickener and you’re good to go!

Can I make Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup vegetarian?

You sure can! Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use white beans or extra mushrooms in place of the chicken for an earthy, protein-packed vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

If you like your soup extra thick, mix a tablespoon of flour with cold water to form a slurry, then stir it in before adding the cream. Extra Parmesan will also amp up the velvety texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about this Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup—it’s hearty, creamy, and layered with comforting flavors that everyone at your table will adore. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something cozy, and don’t be surprised if this recipe finds a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation. Happy spooning!