Creamy Chicken, Mushroom, and Wild Rice Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Goodness

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day. And this Creamy Chicken, Mushroom, and Wild Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, nutty wild rice, and a rich, creamy broth that will warm you from the inside out. This soup is not only incredibly delicious but also relatively easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. This recipe is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends.

## Why You’ll Love This Soup

* **Comforting and Flavorful:** The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and wild rice creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup is surprisingly easy to prepare.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this soup to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.
* **Hearty and Filling:** This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a hearty and filling meal.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it perfect for meal prepping.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

* **Chicken:** I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs. Cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, too. About 1.5 pounds of chicken will be great.
* **Mushrooms:** Cremini mushrooms are my go-to for this soup, but you can also use other types of mushrooms, such as button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or oyster mushrooms. I would recommend using about 1 pound of mushrooms.
* **Wild Rice:** Wild rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture to the soup. Make sure to rinse the wild rice before cooking it. Half a cup of uncooked wild rice is what you should add to the soup.
* **Aromatics:** Onion, garlic, and celery form the base of the soup and add a savory depth of flavor. One medium yellow onion, 2-3 cloves of garlic, and two stalks of celery should be good.
* **Broth:** Chicken broth is the liquid base of the soup. You can use store-bought chicken broth or homemade chicken broth. I prefer low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the amount of salt in the soup. At least 8 cups of chicken broth should be used.
* **Cream:** Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can also use half-and-half or milk, but the soup will be less creamy. One cup of heavy cream should be enough.
* **Butter and Flour:** These are used to create a roux, which helps to thicken the soup. Two tablespoons of butter and two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are required.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper add flavor and depth to the soup. One teaspoon of dried thyme, one bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste will make your soup have amazing flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** For sauteing the vegetables. One tablespoon of olive oil will be good.
* **Optional Ingredients:** Carrots, peas, spinach, or other vegetables can be added to the soup for extra nutrients and flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors. A dash of hot sauce can add a little bit of heat.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Wooden spoon or spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this comforting Chicken, Mushroom, and Wild Rice Soup:

### Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

* Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
* In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice with 2 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the grains have split open. Drain any excess liquid and set aside. This step can be done in advance to save time.

### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
* Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they are softened and have released their liquid. Stir occasionally.

### Step 3: Make the Roux

* Melt the butter in the pot with the vegetables and mushrooms. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is incorporated and the mixture is slightly thickened. This is your roux.

### Step 4: Add the Broth and Seasonings

* Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps that may form. Add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a simmer.

### Step 5: Add the Chicken and Wild Rice

* Add the cooked chicken and cooked wild rice to the pot. Stir to combine. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

### Step 6: Stir in the Cream

* Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Do not boil.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

### Step 7: Serve

* Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Chicken, Mushroom, and Wild Rice Soup

* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the soup will taste. Use fresh, flavorful mushrooms and good-quality chicken broth.
* **Don’t skip the roux:** The roux is essential for thickening the soup and giving it a creamy texture.
* **Simmer the soup for long enough:** Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together and create a more complex and delicious flavor.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your liking:** Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your preferences.
* **Add a squeeze of lemon juice:** A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors of the soup.
* **Make it your own:** Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your own unique version of this soup.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetarian:** Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the chicken. Add more vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or celery, to make the soup more filling.
* **Vegan:** Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, omit the chicken and cream, and use a plant-based milk substitute, such as almond milk or soy milk. You can also add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
* **Gluten-Free:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the chicken broth you use is gluten-free.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a little bit of heat.
* **Different Grains:** Use barley or quinoa instead of wild rice.
* **Different Herbs:** Try adding fresh rosemary or sage instead of thyme.

## Serving Suggestions

This Chicken, Mushroom, and Wild Rice Soup is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **Serve with crusty bread or crackers:** For dipping into the soup.
* **Serve with a side salad:** For a light and refreshing meal.
* **Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches:** For a classic comfort food combination.
* **Top with croutons:** For added texture.
* **Garnish with fresh herbs:** Such as parsley, chives, or dill.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time.
* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let the soup cool completely before freezing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Detailed Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Creamy Chicken, Mushroom, and Wild Rice Soup

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes

**Cook Time:** 1 hour

**Total Time:** 1 hour 20 minutes

**Yield:** 6-8 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or use rotisserie chicken)
* 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
* ½ cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 tbsp butter
* 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Chopped carrots, frozen peas, fresh parsley for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Wild Rice:** Rinse the wild rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice with 2 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
2. **Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms:** Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook until softened (5-7 minutes). Add garlic; cook until fragrant (1 minute).
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they are softened and have released their liquid. Stir occasionally.
4. **Make the Roux:** Melt butter in the pot. Sprinkle in flour; cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
5. **Add Broth and Seasonings:** Gradually whisk in chicken broth. Add thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
6. **Add Chicken and Wild Rice:** Add cooked chicken and wild rice. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
7. **Stir in Cream:** Remove bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream and heat through (do not boil). Season with salt and pepper.
8. **Serve:** Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or sour cream, if desired.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken, Mushroom, and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, versatile, and sure to please everyone. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of goodness! You’ll be surprised how easy it is to put this amazing soup together, and how fast it will become one of your favorite dishes. Enjoy!