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.
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)
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.
For deeper flavor, use a mix of mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, or portobello alongside button or cremini mushrooms.
Fresh herbs can replace dried ones—use 3× the amount.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the creamy base for a subtle, warming note.
Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
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.
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.