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Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice simmer together in a rich, creamy broth that’s perfect for cozy evenings or make-ahead lunches. This soup feels indulgent, yet it’s balanced enough to enjoy as a complete meal all on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

Serves 4–6

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups mushrooms (button, cremini, or mixed), sliced

  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast or thighs, diced or shredded

  • ¾ cup uncooked wild rice (or wild rice blend)

  • 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)

  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.

  • Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

  • Stir in garlic and mushrooms; cook for 5–7 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.

  • Add cooked chicken, wild rice, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.

  • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35–45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender.

  • Stir in milk and cream. If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk flour or cornstarch with a little cold milk and stir it in.

  • Simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until creamy and well blended.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Notes

Mushroom Varieties

For deeper flavor, use a mix of mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, or portobello alongside button or cremini mushrooms.

Herbs and Spices

  • Fresh herbs can replace dried ones—use 3× the amount.

  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to the creamy base for a subtle, warming note.

Vegetarian Option

Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container.

  • Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

  • The soup thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

  • Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

  • Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.

  • Add a drizzle of truffle oil for an elegant finish.