Creamy Mushroom Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
A rich, hearty meal that brings together earthy mushrooms, tender chicken, and flavorful wild rice in a warm, creamy broth — perfect for chilly evenings.
Introduction
Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of homemade soup on a cool day. This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas and invites everyone to gather around the table. With its blend of earthy mushrooms, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice simmered in a silky broth, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again — especially when you want something soothing, cozy, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients & Quantities
For the Soup Base
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Mushrooms & Chicken
8 oz (225 g) baby bella or cremini mushrooms, sliced
3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
Broth & Rice
1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup water (optional, for thinning if needed)
Creamy Element
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
Seasonings
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the vegetables:
In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 4–5 minutes.
2. Cook the mushrooms:
Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
3. Add rice and seasonings:
Stir in the wild rice, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
4. Add broth:
Pour in the chicken broth (and water if desired). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Add the chicken:
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and let it warm through for about 5 minutes.
6. Make the cream mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk (if using), and flour until smooth.
7. Cream the soup:
Slowly pour the cream mixture into the pot while stirring constantly. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the soup thickens.
8. Adjust consistency:
Add a splash of broth or water if you’d like a thinner soup. Taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed.
Origin
Creamy chicken and wild rice soups originate from the American Midwest — particularly Minnesota, where wild rice is a regional staple harvested by Indigenous communities for centuries. Over time, home cooks combined wild rice with mushrooms, chicken, and cream to create the hearty, soul-warming dish we know today.
Cultural Significance
Wild rice holds cultural importance for Native American tribes, especially the Ojibwe people, who consider it a sacred grain. As this ingredient made its way into everyday kitchens, wild rice soup became a cherished Midwestern comfort food — a dish often shared at family gatherings, potlucks, and cold-weather celebrations.
Description of the Dish
This soup is warm, creamy, and deeply aromatic. The nutty chew of wild rice contrasts beautifully with the tenderness of chicken, while mushrooms add earthy depth. The broth becomes silky and rich with cream, making each spoonful hearty, satisfying, and soothing.
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Optional Additions
Spinach or kale for added greens
Fresh thyme or rosemary for a more fragrant herbal note
Chopped bacon for smoky depth
Parmesan cheese for richness
A squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor
Red pepper flakes for heat
Tips for Success
Cook the rice separately if you prefer a less thick soup — wild rice naturally absorbs liquid.
For the best flavor, use baby bella or cremini mushrooms instead of white mushrooms.
Rotisserie chicken is a quick, flavorful option.
Stir the cream mixture slowly to avoid lumps.
If reheating leftovers, add a little broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Based on 6 servings:
Calories: ~380
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: Varies by broth
Key nutrients: B vitamins, potassium, selenium, calcium
Conclusion
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort dish — warm, hearty, and full of simple, nourishing ingredients. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough to serve to guests. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a permanent part of your cool-weather recipe rotation.
Recommendation
Serve this soup with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or warm biscuits. It also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or cozy lunches throughout the week.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This soup is the perfect example of how comfort food can still be wholesome and nourishing. With real vegetables, lean protein, and hearty wild rice, each bowl feeds both the body and the spirit. Allow yourself to slow down, savor the warmth, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a homemade dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
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